“Sometimes 2 + 2 = 1” © Brett Stout

 

Algebra

The letters were a mystery
Around which I could not
Wrap my head. They were,
For the most part, unknown
Or known but not discovered,
Or variable or constant. I mean,
What the fuck is the differential?!
I calculated that if I was going
To add or subtract or multiply or
Divide letters, I would be better
To derive poems, balanced or
Unbalanced, cast a spell,
Solve or create problems.

 

Bruce Morton splits his time between Montana and Arizona. His poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in various magazines and anthologies including, most recently, Muddy River Poetry Review, Main Street Rag, Nixes Mate Review, Grey Sparrow Journal, Anti-Heroin Chic, Sin Fronteras/Writers Without Borders, Pinyon Review, and Blue Unicorn. He was formerly Dean of Libraries at Montana State University.

Brett Stout is a 38-year-old artist and writer. He is a high school dropout and former construction worker turned college graduate and Paramedic. He creates controversial art while breathing toxic paint fumes from a small cramped apartment referred to as “the nerd lab” in Myrtle Beach , SC. His artwork has appeared in a wide range of various media from small webzines like the Paradise Review to the University of Oklahoma Medical School Journal.