CARSICK

slow down for the bumps
that’s not rocks it’s a cardboard box 
torn across the road 
that’s not wildflowers it’s a grave
should i pull over for the ambulance
nah well actually yes 
can we please do windows down instead of
air conditioning, liminal radio instead of 
failed bluetooth
that’s not the ocean it’s the sky
not it’s the ocean 
no it’s the mountain 
why is freshwater not salty
it is, just less
why does your brain get that
when mine won’t
why am i always worrying
and you aren't
what all would my mind do
in place of worry
why am i hypothetically 
optimizing this
is this the lesson in a children's book, a cursive parable
covering up a hole in the plaster
is there always something to be milked
from struggle and is that 
exploitation 
and does that conundrum
fuel fresh hells 
yes
everything does everything 
as does nothing 
and then you live 
again