Kurt Philip Behm

-Debt Service-

I’m running out of money,

but I’ve still got some time

and only just one question

…can you lend me a dime

 

My dollars spent on something

that quarters can’t divide

my nickels for what’s come and gone

…can you lend me a dime

 

Tomorrow comes as landlord,

whose lease you can’t cosign

my place reserved but not in ink

…can you lend me a dime

 

My tenancy is in arrears,

foreclosing on my mind

last chance to stay evictions sway

…can you lend me a dime

 

(Dreamsleep: January, 2022)

 

 

The Bottom Line

 

If a million people read your work,

or possibly just one

 

What then will change, the numbers feign

—result still zero-sum

 

(The New Room: January, 2022)