A Letter to Maysam

June 21, 2025

Noon

Dear Maysam,

It’s been almost six weeks since I began my involuntary servitude and incarceration at the retirement home. It’s real name is Excelsior Villa, but I call it The Village. Sally is a harsh taskmaster. She has me chained to the heavy metal frame of our waterbed and demands that we have sex at least six times a day. Which would be hard enough, so to speak, but my girlfriend, Sadie, insists on trysting with me two or three times daily, when Sally is out with her alcoholic friends, enjoying 4-martini lunches and other debauchery. The physical demands on me are so great that I now consume at least 12,000 calories a day, like a mountain climber scaling Everest or something. Still, I feel lightheaded–low blood sugar, probably. Lemme grab an energy bar.

How are things with you in Tehran? The old man was on the news today, bragging about bombing Iran back to the stoneage. What an arsehole. I’ve taken to Twitter (X) and have been giving him what for. Oops! I just heard the door. Sally is back home; she’s singing German drinking songs, for Chrissake! Gotta go. I’ll email you again later.

Duke

June 21 2025

12:05pm

Hi Maysam,

Sorry to keep you, but Sally had “an itch,” she said. It took longer than usual this time. She brought me my dinner: white hominey and boiled chicken. Ugh! She told me she’s going to release me for a while on Thursday night but I better be on my best behavior. She’ll have a taser, she warned. She wants to take me to a communal supper here at The Village. Sally is entered into a chili competition, but it doesn’t bode well. She makes an incredible glop she calls bison-head chili. She plops a full-size, 60-lb. bison head, fur and horns and all, into a 10-gallon stock pot and cooks it to death. Then she adds tomatoes and beans and onions and all the rest, and she calls this chili. I hope she doesn’t make me eat it. It’s not fit for man nor beast. I’ll write you again in a few days, Maysam. I hear Sally again–gulp!

Duke

June 23, 2025

10:32am

Hello again, Maysam,

Well, the chili supper was a fiasco. Not only did the apartment reek from the simmering bison head all day and all night, but another resident–that’s what we’re called, residents–made bison head chili as well. Sally got so pissed that she secretly emptied a large bottle of Geritol into the other woman’s concoction and everyone got the runs. Oy veh!

How is your writing coming along? I subbed to a newly “literary” rag that once deigned to publish me, but now has an acceptance rate of <1%. Miserable shitheels! I subbed them my much-acclaimed story, the old reliable “Brainy Bike,” you know, the one about the dipshit actuary from the future that buys an AI motorcycle. Well, the publisher, Charlie Fishface, turned his snooty nose up at my creation. But I fixed him: I learned the location of his office in the UK, and I hired a guy to ring his doorbell and run. Gotta go: Sadie just peeped her pretty blonde head in through my window. Luckily, I saved a bottle of that peach vodka.

Duke

July 25, 2025

10:06aj

Good morning, Maysam (I guess it’s evening where you’re at),

Sally decided that my drinking had gotten out of control, so she sent me to AA. But, because she said she can’t trust me to be out and about amongst hoi polloi, she instead purchased some AA videos which she instructed me to watch on the flatscreen TV in our bedroom while I’m chained to the bed.

I thought, what the hell, I’d give it a shot, and so I turned it on. It was a talk given by the Reverend Over Berring, some evangelical televangelist and was he ever full of shit. He had a 13-step program. I know, you’re gonna say that AA is a 12-step program. But Berring’s program had an additional step, which is to send him money.

They had a “counseling” number on the screen and when I called, they insisted that I give them my credit card number, the card’s expiration date and the three-digit security code on the back of the card. I told the girl who answered the phone that she could go fork herself and went off on her for ten minutes before I realized she was a bot. Somehow, through our telephone connection, she managed to get the info she wanted and now I’m in for $100 a week. Yikes! I don’t know what I’m going to tell Sally. Hold on, I hear her footsteps down the hall. I’ll get back to you.

Duke

July 25, 2025

11:00am

Hi again,

Sally got our American Express bill and I had to confess. As punishment, she took away my telephone privileges. Which is shortsighted, really: the Reverend Over Berring is on the internet too. Maybe next time she’ll break my fingers so that I can’t punch the computer keys. I’ll talk at you later, my friend.

Duke

August 15 2025

1:00pm

Dear Maysam,

I’m worried about Sally. She hasn’t been nearly as affectionate as she was before; I think she’s taken another lover! It’s not like I can follow after her, since she’s still got me chained to this blasted bed. So what I did was, I hired a PI to chase her down. I got the first report in my inbox today. The detective wrote that Sally has been spending a lot of time at Mar-a-Lago, a garish resort in W. Palm Beach, a community about 20 miles East of The Village. This comes as a great surprise. What could be up? Maybe Sally has taken up golf. I’ll contact you when I hear more.

Duke

Feb. 11, 2026

11:15am

Greetings, Maysam,

Sorry I’ve been out of touch for so long, my friend, but there has been a lot going on. Basically, I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news first: Sally was in fact having an affair. The good news: it wasn’t with a man. No, wait, let me back up. I didn’t mean that. I meant that it wasn’t with a human being. That doesn’t sound much better, does it? Let me start over: Sally was having AI sex.

I asked Sally how I could possibly compete with an AI lover and she said I virtually couldn’t. Ha-ha. Sally’s a pippen. Well, it sounded funnier when she said it. So now Sally’s heart is devoted to another. And while I’m not getting the physical workout I once did, I keep eating the huge meals I had consumed before. To make a bad situation worse, my paramour, Sadie, found a boy her own age. Did I mention she was 19? As a result, I’ve ballooned from my svelte 166 lbs. to more than 600.

Sally no longer has to chain me to our bed, because I can’t fit through the bedroom door. Sally didn’t seem to mind my enlarged girth, however, since she’d moved into the guest room, which she shares with Alexa. I decided to take matters into my own hands and contracted for a liposuction procedure. I contacted a company off the internet that had a good reputation. But when they arrived, it was this old guy in a Spiderman costume, wheeling in a Craftsman 16-gallon Shop Vac, and I threw them out.

I don’t know what to do, Maysam. I hardly see my wife, except when she delivers my meals. She’s always been a remarkable cook, and she seems to have found the most succulent, delicious, fattening meals out there. I keep gaining weight. I think my wife’s trying to kill me, Maysam.

Duke

March 2, 2026

(The clock on my PC is broken)

Dear Maysam,

I feel rather odd writing this message, Maysam. First of all, I want to genuinely thank you for letting me capitalize on your generous nature and use you as a sounding board. I can’t tell you what it’s meant for me to have someone I could communicate with. Although we’ve never met in person and live thousands of miles apart, I feel I know you like a brother. You are my best friend, Maysam.

I was rather disquieting to hear from your sister that you had in fact passed away some nine months ago, succumbing to the violence rained down by American bombers. I am profoundly sorry you are deceased, Maysam. I hope this will not stand in the way of our future communications. Talk to you soon.

As always,

Duke

COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS METHODS OF STATISTICAL DATA: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES                                                 

Associate Professor Nargizaxon Olimova                                                 

Department of Management                                                 

Andijan State Technical Institute                                                  

Second-year student of Marketing                                                 

Andijan State Technical Institute                                                 

Sardorjon Ahmadjon o‘g‘li Ergashev

Annotasiya: Ushbu maqolada statistik ma’lumotlarni yig’ish va tahlil qilishning zamonaviy usullari atroflicha ko’rib chiqiladi. Tadqiqotning asosiy maqsadi turli sohalarda ma’lumotlarni to’plash, qayta ishlash va ulardan ilmiy-amaliy xulosalar chiqarish bo’yicha tizimli yondashuvlarni taqdim etishdan iborat. Ma’lumotlarni yig’ishning an’anaviy va innovatsion usullari, jumladan, so’rovnomalar, kuzatuvlar, eksperimentlar va raqamli manbalardan foydalanish tahlil qilinadi. Shuningdek, ma’lumotlarni tozalash, birlashtirish va dastlabki tahlil qilish bosqichlari muhimligi ta’kidlanadi. Maqolada statistik tahlilning asosiy vositalari, jumladan, deskriptiv statistika, korrelyatsion va regressiya tahlili, gipotezalarni tekshirish usullari va ma’lumotlarni vizualizatsiya qilishning ahamiyati yoritilgan. Zamonaviy dasturiy ta’minotlar va texnologiyalarning statistik tahlildagi roli ham muhokama qilinadi. Tadqiqot natijalari turli ilmiy yo’nalishlar va amaliy sohalarda samarali Kalit so’zlar: statistik ma’lumotlar, ma’lumotlarni yig’ish, ma’lumotlarni tahlil qilish, deskriptiv statistika, regressiya tahlili, gipoteza tekshirish

Annotation: This article comprehensively examines modern methods of collecting and analyzing statistical data. The main purpose of the study is to present systematic approaches to collecting, processing, and drawing scientific and practical conclusions from data in various fields. Traditional and innovative methods of data collection are analyzed, including surveys, observations, experiments, and the use of digital sources. In addition, the importance of data cleaning, integration, and preliminary analysis stages is emphasized. The article highlights the main tools of statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, hypothesis testing methods, and the importance of data visualization. The role of modern software and technologies in statistical analysis is also discussed. The results of the research can be effectively applied in various scientific fields and practical areas.

Keywords: statistical data, data collection, data analysis, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, hypothesis testing.

Аннотация: В данной статье всесторонне рассматриваются современные методы сбора и анализа статистических данных. Основной целью исследования является представление системных подходов к сбору, обработке и получению научно-практических выводов на основе данных в различных областях. Анализируются традиционные и инновационные методы сбора данных, включая опросы, наблюдения, эксперименты и использование цифровых источников. Также подчеркивается важность этапов очистки данных, их объединения и первичного анализа. В статье освещаются основные инструменты статистического анализа, включая описательную статистику, корреляционный и регрессионный анализ, методы проверки гипотез, а также значение визуализации данных. Кроме того, рассматривается роль современных программных средств и технологий в статистическом анализе. Результаты исследования могут эффективно применяться в различных научных направлениях и практических сферах.

Ключевые слова: статистические данные, сбор данных, анализ данных, описательная статистика, регрессионный анализ, проверка гипотез.

Introduction Statistical data play an important role today in many fields such as scientific research, economics, social sciences, medicine, and technology. Decision-making based on data is considered the key to success in the modern world. The proper collection and analysis of statistical data ensures the objectivity and reliability of research. However, the complexity of data collection and analysis methods, as well as their incorrect application, may lead to inaccurate conclusions. Therefore, it is important to study these processes in depth and identify the most effective methods.

The main purpose of this research is to comprehensively examine the theoretical foundations and practical methods of collecting and analyzing statistical data. In particular, the study focuses on different methods of data collection, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the main statistical tools and modern software solutions used in data analysis. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that with the increasing volume of data and expanding opportunities for their use, the demand for skills in effective and accurate data analysis is also growing. This work aims to provide practical assistance for specialists and researchers from various fields in working with statistical data.

The main objectives of the study are as follows: to compare different methods of data collection; to explain the main statistical methods of data analysis; to demonstrate the role of modern software in statistical analysis; to provide examples of the practical application of these methods.

Literature Review

Methods of collecting and analyzing statistical data have been widely studied by many scholars. A number of scientific works have presented important theoretical and practical perspectives on statistical analysis methods and their significance in scientific research.

For example, Ronald Aylmer Fisher is one of the scholars who made a significant contribution to the development of statistical analysis theory. He developed the scientific foundations of experimental research and regression analysis. His work laid the groundwork for the widespread application of statistical methods in scientific research. Similarly, Karl Pearson developed the theory of correlation and statistical relationships, creating important methods for analyzing statistical data. His work plays a crucial role in statistical modeling and data analysis.

The work of John Tukey also holds an important place in the development of modern statistical analysis methods. He introduced important ideas regarding data visualization, exploratory data analysis, and the practical application of statistical methods. In addition, modern software tools are widely used today in the process of processing and analyzing statistical data. Statistical programs make it possible to analyze large volumes of data quickly and efficiently. The scientific views and studies mentioned above contribute to the further improvement of methods for collecting and analyzing statistical data.

Research Methodology In this study, the literature review method was chosen as the main methodology to examine the theoretical and practical aspects of collecting and analyzing statistical data. During the research process, leading scientific journals, books, conference materials, and online databases were used. Both classical and modern literature on data collection methods were analyzed in detail, including surveys, observations, experiments, and the use of databases. The specific advantages, disadvantages, scope of application, and effectiveness of each method were evaluated.

For example, surveys allow researchers to reach a wide audience; however, they may be affected by respondent subjectivity and sampling errors. Observations can provide objective data but often require considerable time and resources. Experiments are effective for identifying cause-and-effect relationships, although their implementation conditions may be complex. The opportunities of using digital data sources (big data) and the specific challenges associated with processing such data were also examined.

Regarding data analysis methods, both descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation, etc.) and inferential statistics (hypothesis testing, t-test, ANOVA, chi-square test, etc.) were analyzed. In addition, the main principles and applications of correlation and regression analysis methods were studied to determine relationships between variables. The importance of data preparation stages such as data integration, data cleaning, and data transformation was emphasized. Modern statistical software tools, including SPSS, R, Python (with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and Scikit-learn), and Stata, were also reviewed in terms of their role and capabilities in statistical analysis.

These tools allow researchers to visualize data through methods such as histograms, charts, and scatter plots, making research results more understandable. The research process consisted of the following stages: Systematic review of scientific literature related to the topic. Classification and description of data collection and analysis methods. Identification of advantages, disadvantages, and application areas of each method. Evaluation of the role of modern software tools in statistical analysis. Generalization of research results and formulation of conclusions.

Analysis and Results

The literature analysis showed that numerous methods exist for collecting and analyzing statistical data, and their application depends on the research objectives, available resources, and the type of data. Among data collection methods, surveys are the most widely used. They are essential for studying public opinion, market research, and the analysis of social phenomena. For example, sampling methods such as simple random sampling and stratified sampling can provide samples that reliably represent the general population. However, surveys may face problems such as non-response and social desirability bias, which can affect the accuracy of results.

Observation methods, including participant observation and non-participant observation, are used to study various natural processes. For example, observations are valuable in studying animal behavior or analyzing children’s behavior in school environments. Experimental methods, involving control groups and experimental groups, are considered the most powerful approach for identifying cause-and-effect relationships. Experiments are widely used in medicine to test drug effectiveness and in psychology to study the effects of various factors on human behavior. Digital sources such as social networks, websites, and sensors generate large volumes of data (big data). Analyzing such data requires specialized technologies and algorithms.

In data analysis, descriptive statistics play a crucial role in summarizing results. For example, calculating the mean salary, determining the age distribution of respondents, or identifying the standard deviation of product sales helps in understanding research outcomes. Inferential statistics allow conclusions to be drawn about a population based on sample data. In hypothesis testing, the p-value plays an important role; if p < 0.05, the hypothesis is usually rejected.

The correlation coefficient, such as Pearson’s r, indicates the degree of linear relationship between two variables (r ranges from -1 to +1). Regression analysis enables modeling the effect of one or more independent variables on a dependent variable. For example, house prices can be predicted based on area, location, and age using linear regression: Y = β0 + β1X1 + β2X2 + … + εModern software tools such as R and Python significantly simplify data analysis. In R, the ggplot2 package allows high-quality visualizations, while Python with Pandas and Scikit-learn provides powerful capabilities for data processing and model development. The results of the study indicate that selecting appropriate methods, preparing data correctly, and interpreting results accurately are essential for effective statistical analysis.

Conclusion

This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical and practical aspects of collecting and analyzing statistical data. The findings indicate that effective data collection and analysis play a crucial role in scientific research and practical decision-making. Various methods of data collection exist, including surveys, observations, experiments, and digital sources, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate method depends on the research objectives and available conditions. In data analysis, methods such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis play an important role. These methods are widely used for hypothesis testing, identifying relationships between variables, and developing predictive models.

Modern software tools such as R and Python significantly simplify the data analysis process and expand visualization capabilities. However, the correct selection of methods, proper data preparation, and critical interpretation of results largely depend on the researcher’s knowledge and skills. The methods and principles presented in this article can serve as a practical guide for specialists, researchers, and students working with statistical data. In the future, with the growth of data volumes and the emergence of new technologies, it will become increasingly important to study and apply more complex and automated data analysis methods. In particular, further research is needed on the role of machine learning in statistical analysis, new algorithms for processing big data, and methods for ensuring data privacy.

Additionally, conducting more case studies demonstrating the practical application of these methods in various fields would be beneficial.

Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar roʻyxati 1. Abramov, A. V. (2019). Osnovy statistiki. Moskva: Prospekt.2. Agresti, A., & Franklin, C. L. (2013). Statistics: The Art and Science of Learning from Data. Pearson.3. Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. Sage Publications.4. Gelman, A., & Hill, J. (2007). Data Analysis Using Regression and Multilevel/Hierarchical Models. Cambridge University Press.5. Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate Data Analysis. Prentice Hall.6. Hays, W. L. (1994). Statistics. Harcourt Brace College Publishers.7. James, G., Witten, D., Hastie, T., & Tibshirani, R. (2013). An Introduction to Statistical Learning: With Applications in R. Springer.8. Kutner, M. H., Nachtsheim, C. J., Neter, J., & Li, W. (2005). Applied Linear Statistical Models. McGraw-Hill/Irwin.9. Liao, T. F. (2013). Data collection processes in social science research. SAGE Publications.10. McClave, J. T., & Sincich, T. (2017). Statistics. Pearson.

11. Montgomery, D. C., Peck, E. A., & Vining, G. G. (2012). Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis. John Wiley & Sons.12. Nisbet, R. C. (2003). The social psychology of extraordinary claims of the paranormal: a critical review. Psychological Bulletin, 129(3), 339–369.13. Peat, J., & Bartram, L. (2008). Medical Statistics: A Guide to the Interpretation of Medical Literature. BMJ Books.14. Shumway, R. H., & Stoffer, D. S. (2017). Time Series Analysis and Its Applications: With R Examples. Springer.15. Tan, H. W., & Tan, S. H. (2019). A Comprehensive Guide to Data Collection Methods. CRC Press.16. Tukey, J. W. (1977). Exploratory Data Analysis. Addison-Wesley.17. Wasserman, L. (2004). All of Statistics: A Concise Course in Statistical Inference. Springer.18. Yiu, K. M. (2010). The Art of R Programming: Design, Build, Extend. Addison-Wesley.19. Zar, J. H. (1999). Biostatistical Analysis. Prentice Hall.

I Bloom for Myself

Oysha was a young and thoughtful girl. She had always considered herself hardworking and eager to learn, yet life sometimes placed challenges in her path.

On her first attempt to enter university, she did not score enough points. The second attempt brought the same disappointment. Finally, on her third try, she succeeded and was admitted.

However, a new challenge emerged. Among her peers, Oysha began to feel behind. Others seemed to learn faster, while she often felt one step slower. Each time she reflected on this, her heart filled with sadness. She questioned her intelligence and abilities. Constant comparison with others created a pressure that felt impossible to overcome.

One day, while sitting in the university library surrounded by books, she was reading about life and self-awareness. She came across a sentence that deeply touched her:

“A flower does not bloom for others; it blooms for itself.”

Those words resonated in her heart. She realized that true success and happiness are not found in comparison, but in working for oneself and appreciating one’s own growth.

From that day on, Oysha changed her mindset. She began to live each day for her own development, her own abilities, and her own joy. She no longer saw her peers as competitors, but as companions. She approached learning with greater love, celebrated even her small achievements, and stopped comparing herself to others.

Oysha understood that true blooming means valuing yourself, being proud of your progress, and living life for your own purpose.

From that day forward, she embraced life with a new perspective. And with each new day, she felt stronger, more confident, and happier than before.

My name is Ruxshona Shahobiddinova, daughter of A’zamjon. I was born on December 6, 2005, in Kemaboshi neighborhood, Norin district, Namangan region, into an ordinary family.

Currently, I am a first-year scholarship (grant) student majoring in Uzbek Language and Literature at Gulistan State Pedagogical Institute in Gulistan, Sirdaryo region.

Among my academic achievements, I hold a B2 level certificate in English and a B level certificate in my native language.

In addition, I have recently started volunteering and have participated in several online social projects, earning official certificates for my active involvement.

FOUNTAIN OF DESIRE 

The water gurgle accepts coins 

while wishes are spoken in silence 

through the way of prayer. 

Desires travel at the speed of thought 

to the Universe 

who doesn’t know the word NO. 

I imagined being a butterfly 

Staring at the clear water 

which intoxicated my vigilance 

from shining golden threads. 

I managed to maintain that state of mind, 

but the water mirror brought me back to reality. 

I’ll throw in a coin next time, 

so I don’t forget that I’m just a woman.

Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar and divides her life between Serbia and Denmark. In Serbia, she serves as the deputy editor-in-chief at the publishing house Sfairos in Belgrade. She is also the founder and vice president of the Rtanj and Mesečev Poets’ Circle, which counts 800 members, and the editor-in-chief of the international e-magazine Area Felix, a bilingual Serbian-English publication. She writes literary reviews, and as a poet, she is represented in numerous domestic and international literary magazines, anthologies, and electronic media. Some of her poems are also available on the YouTube platform. Maja Milojković has won many international awards. She is an active member of various associations and organizations advocating for peace in the world, animal protection, and the fight against racism. She is the author of two books: Mesečev krug (Moon Circle) and Drveće Želje (Trees of Desire). She is one of the founders of the first mixed-gender club Area Felix from Zaječar, Serbia, and is currently a member of the same club. She is a member of the literary club Zlatno Pero from Knjaževac, and the association of writers and artists Gorski Vidici from Podgorica, Montenegro.

GREEN AND YELLOW

Without those colourful floating pills you sink –

bones dropped by a chemical vulture –

to shatter on the rocks of a dead planet.

The pieces of you left intact then wander

through the ruins of lost civilisations

hung with leathery shrunken heads

before boarding a plague cruise ship

to an island of abandoned labyrinths.

After that, it’s dinner with fires all around

while cruel regrets appear like species thought extinct

and wait as snipers for the next mass killing

in this permanent opium war.

EXTRADITION

These little white pills photoshop your mind,

taking you beyond facial recognition

to where anxiety is a distant tremor,

then just a dog stirring in its sleep

and into the fog and silence

of peaceful, invisible zodiacs

where you are the only citizen:

a limpet sheltering on a rock

a trilobite calmly cruising forever

a jellyfish drifting free

a dust mite in a desert.  

CLICKBAIT

The most solid thing I remember

of that day is the gleam, the honest face

of life’s dwindling. I could not keep you,

but only suffer alongside for a while

and then confront the geography of pain,

lost as a lighthouse in the sun.

Maybe I am just inventing a dream

that only a digital clone could give,

but I hope you are still really somewhere

in perfect convergent evolution.

INTROVERSION

An endless silent ceremony

before the white ashes of vanity.

Living in a world of your own words

until everything is a mirror.

The cries of a fabulous creature

hovering pitilessly overhead.

Clinging on like weeds around barbed wire

or birds nesting among spikes and syringes.

Fearing an embassy from another planet

or looters profiting from disaster. 

S.C. Flynn was born in a small town in Australia of Irish origin and now lives in Dublin. His collections are “The Colour of Extinction” (Renard Press, October 2024; Observer Poetry Book of the Month) and “An Ocean Called Hope” (Downingfield Press, May 2025).

MY DEAR MOTHER

My dear mother, you are my happiness,

The highest throne in my life.

You are my existence, my dignity,

The endless strength in my world.

Because you are here, my luck arrives,

The feelings in my heart overflow.

Because you are here, my fortune smiles,

The half-moons of my life become full.

When I am ill, you are always by my side,

Day and night, you care endlessly.

You pray for my happiness from the Creator,

You wish only good fortune for us.

I’m so grateful you are in my life,

You are a spring of never-ending love.

A beautiful gift from the Creator,

The most important reason I live.

Uzbekistan

Thirst


A frisson while the night passes
A maw to be filled with bloated stars

The frugalness of neon haunts your suffering
The moon frightens a stranger’s trees

Am I a ghost hiding in plain sight?
Am I a night tremor where the longboats pass?

& If I tremble, it’s only for my love of gillyflowers
That sing, in the wicked breeze of my thirst

Where I am lost, like a cataloguer in a storage room
Of pent-up desires. O cool fountains, interiority—

When do I go to sleep? & In what din
Of a grinning force, how far away is night?


Sometimes it rains here, in the penitentiary of my age
& I am baffled by goslings who have no care for frivolity

Then winter really rubs off on children’s red jackets
& I muffle my knees like a mud cowhand & stutter

In the brackish, sheet metal music of days’ slow death
Shimmering under a wreath of seas