from the directions in the book

if you're reading this poem
you must be able to see it,
perhaps you're holding a book
or a torn out page, with
your left hand, while you
rock back and forth with the train.
maybe not.
if you're reading this poem
without any introductions of flesh,
we're acquainted.

if you're hearing this poem
maybe i'm reading it to you
or maybe someone else is. It's
only words.
if you're hearing this poem
what does it mean to you?
what is it about?
stranger,
how did you arrive here?
I don't know either.

if you're writing this poem
your name is thomas
you've been sick for two days, thus,
but drinking tea helps you
if you're writing this poem
you chew on pens, taste ink
blood from your bitten tongue
misplaced the page






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