Well, more accurately I called in with car trouble Because I had already Called in sick this month Somehow, car trouble seemed More believable While we’re on the subject, I called in with car trouble Because I didn’t have it in me To face the day So, playing a game on my phone Was a sort of sanctuary From depression & I can’t call in depressed Because, in my own twisted mind I’m too somehow old for that Depression isn’t cute With a greying beard So, I favor the prudence of lies
I Called in Sick Two Days in a Row This Week to Play a Game on My Phone
Nathanael William Stolte is a madcap, flower-punk, D.I.Y., Buffalo-bred, and corn-fed poet. He is the author of six chapbooks, including Origami Creature (Ghost City Press, 2017), A Beggar’s Prayer Book (NightBallet Press, 2017), and Ramshackle American (Analogue Submissions Press, 2018). Recently, his poems have appeared in My Next Heart: New Buffalo Poetry, Mutata Re, and Blue Mountain Review. In 2016, he was voted best poet in Buffalo, New York, by Artvoice. He responds to emails at nathanaelstolte@yahoo.com