THE PASSAGE TO RELIEF

(1993)

Raise your kleenex

Wrap it around

Take a deep breath

And blow like thunder,

Throwing all your soul into it as you lurch forward

(to help the gravity).

Drag it on out--

The gooey, mushy slush sluggishly shoots forward,

Springing through your nostrils,

Catching the hair-like follicles,

Gushing out

Into a nice, warm lump

Between the soft folds of your kleenex.

You stop

And wipe around your nostrils

To catch those sticky strings that are still attached.

You look down at your kleenex--

It's not white anymore.

Making sure no one is looking,

You slowly pry it open