Clearing the Shelves by Jesse Miksic

I’m not entirely convinced

that these bodies have memory,

which is the type of thing

people tend to say in poems.

Mine barely remembers

how to do the Macarena.

But my dog (bless him)

has no memory

but his body’s memory

of the forest.

And just this past week

my son’s body remembered

how to roll over, back

to tummy, and next I hope

the reverse.

Perhaps the body is a temple

dedicated to the earth

that it has disfigured.

Perhaps forgetting is a gift,

bitter chocolate always arriving.

Perhaps my pantry is empty.

Perhaps my pantry is full.

---

Jesse Miksic is a graphic designer and writer living in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He spends his life writing poetry, ruminating over philosophy and pop culture, and having adventures with his endlessly patient wife, two awesome children, and hyperactive dog. Recent placements include Pink Plastic House, Moist Poetry, Selcouth Station Press, and Hearth & Coffin. His work and musings can be found at @miksimum on Twitter and Instagram, or www.miksimum.com

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