Stepping Stones Magazine

When I extend my inner antenna
and fine tune to the station of divinity
I don’t even get white noise static anymore.
Not like the old days—
then, perpetual bubble wrap ruckus whisked me away
on my never-ending search for self-appreciation.
Jesus wept over my inhibitions
but he forgot to flush my fears
out of existence, so, as recompense,
I’m putting away my radio for a long time.
Maybe now I’ll hear my heart beat.

I’m tired of these cookie-cutter faces
with their stainless steel teeth and
silicone breast extensions invading my vision.
I need them to go away.
I’m lonely without my imaginary lover
and now that I’ve coughed up my conscience
I’m not so sure I’ll be able to fall asleep.

Flickering streetlamps and fireflies are
the only things that remind me I’m alive.
To test out my abilities, I’ll double knot my legs
right before I fall asleep
so that I’m chased by the monsters
I met last Sunday.
They’ll probably give me a head start
but unless I’m quick on my feet
they will catch me
and they will not let me go.

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Jackson Burgess

Jackson Burgess is a writer, painter, and student at the University of Southern California. His work has been published in various American and Australian journals, including The Storyteller, SpeedPoets, Stepping Stones Magazine: ALMIA, and Children, Churches & Daddies. You can find him performing poetry, watching clouds, or combating insomnia around South Central LA. Check out his personal blog: jacksonburgess.wordpress.com.

Latest posts by Jackson Burgess (see all)

• Shadow Moments - 2 May, 2012
• Radio Waves - 18 April, 2012
• Eight Stories - 11 March, 2012

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