“Paternal” by A. Ortiz

what is the point
of forcing it to be coherent?

so snooty simpletons can stare at my
mentally disabled children, nodding in
approval at their well-behaved conformity?

man walks around in
a constant state of intoxication,
liquored up by language,
symbols and order representing n o t h i n g
tangible.

those fly-traps keep folk occupied
for the duration of their lives,
like a dog chasing his tail. me included.

so, forgive me if my writing
is lacking military garb, forgive me

if my writing wants to writhe in public,
and I am beaming with a father's pride.