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  • The American Poetry Review

    FOUR POEMS

    Jan 01, 2021 2 minutes
    RITA DOVE

    Declaration of Interdependence

    Porch monkey, baboon, trash-talking magpie.Do not rub my head. Don’t even think about it.I shout to the Lord, dance out my joy. Does that amuse you?Last time I looked, I did not have a tail.I am a trained athlete. Nothing I do on the court is natural.Fried chicken will kill you just asSuddenly you’re walking up the same street I’m walking down.Are you frightened yet?I laugh to forget, and the thorn deepens.Raccoons are intelligent, curious, and highly industrious.

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