Photography © Jennifer Matthews

 

and then,

you yell “that’s right joan
someone’s always trying to screw you!”

i counter with “don’t i wish”
but you’ve already turned back to

your nature show
so i make myself some pasta

and eat until i explode
i’m still able to fit most of my pieces back into my jeans though

and then, my friend garry calls
to ask if i want to hear some jazz

we meet in chelsea where tardo hammer
plays tunes from his latest album

during the break
i tell garry about my movie idea

where this catholic schoolgirl
meets an older man who speaks
in flashes of light
and how even his tiniest conjunction
scorches her skin
meanwhile sister mary gerald spies heat rising from the girl’s oxfords
and sounds a fire alarm
that the sisters of the divine compassion are unable to extinguish
(god knows they try)
and then what happens to the girl after that

garry says “hot”

and we go to the diner
where i order a cheeseburger deluxe with extra fries

and then, my gall bladder starts acting up
so i guess it’s time to go home

but then, i can’t think of anything
i can’t wait to rush home for

 

Joan Cappello has been a backup singer, bank teller, yoga instructor, secretary, assistant film editor and dancer. She is presently a massage therapist with a practice in New York City. Her chapbook, “why i travel alone,” was published in 2019 by Finishing Line Press.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of Poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.