on our left is a fragile display
it dates back to distinctly pre-May
it was found in a pipe;
it’s a clear archetype
they called it a Clorox wipe.
just ahead in the frame on the wall—
it’s the last toilet paper roll
please don’t take pics with flash
it’ll crumble to ash
and we’ve got a finite stash
"Seventeen Jars of Ragu" [glass, with metal lid]
"Masks Made of Old College Band T-shirts" [cotton, thread]
for the room up ahead, please prepare—
it’s the last non-polluted air
do your weeping outside;
the humidity guide
suggests that your eyes be dried
"Home Renovation Mistakes" [drywall, paint with zinc]
"Books Overdue by a Dozen Weeks" [paper, ink]
and our pride, in this gold envelope—
we’ve acquired the last bit of hope
you can look but don’t touch
and it’s desperate to clutch
your heart like you’ve seen too much
"Sketch of a Three-Color Bird" [charcoal, paperboard]
"Dance Performed Badly with Two-year-old" [.mp4]
credits
from The Shiniest Blue,
released August 2, 2020
Melissa Kagen: lyrics, melody, vocals, & grand piano
Kurt James Werner: fretless bass, acoustic guitar, drum/keyboard programming, production, &c.
Liz: vocals
Mayank: electric guitar
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