a dream of a toecurling tendril on a lemon thigh.

when will i play a song i like out loud

and not worry whether the others will like it

or order food for myself and not just repeat

what the others said— whatever you're getting

make it two. but that's not true, is it?

you didn't get whatever they got

and you won't get whatever they'll get.

my father still says put stop instead of full stop

as if the hand dotting the ends of meaning

is made visible when sought in a condition

overcast with other more natal languages.

who carries a sieve to a slot machine

and then cries about not getting it— present sir.

don't forget that a sponge is a kind of filter too.

so go on then, squeeze me somewhere over there

and see if life gives you lemonade.

~ ajay

11/4/2022