Hello, darling. Sorry about that. Sorry about the bony elbows, sorry we lived here, sorry about the scene at the bottom of the stairwell and how I ruined everything by saying it out loud. Especially that, but I should have known. You see, I take the parts that I remember and stitch them back together to make a creature that will do what I say or love me back.
Richard SikenEverything affects my poetry, every day something happens that changes me forever. Iโm susceptible and plastic, thin-skinned and moody.
Richard SikenFairy tales have rules. You are a princess or you arenโt. You are pure at heart or you arenโt. If you are pure at heart, or lucky, you might catch a break.
Richard SikenIs that too much to expect? That I would name the stars for you? That I would take you there? The splash of my tongue melting you like a sugar cube?
Richard SikenWe can do anything. Itโs not because our hearts are large, theyโre not, itโs what we struggle with. The attempt to say Come over. Bring your friends. Itโs a potluck, Iโm making pork chops, Iโm making those long noodles you love so much.
Richard SikenThe narrator blames the birds. And you want to blame the birds as well. I blamed the birds for a long time. But in this story everyone is hungry, even the birds. And at this point in the story so many things have gone wrong, so many bad decisions made, that itโs a wonder anyone would want to continue reading.
Richard Siken