Karen Hildebrand
Global Positioning System
Every day is the long way.
Thumping rabbits, we consult maps
and follow traffic patterns of snaking
stars, our calendars full of spiders.
It’s enough to make us long
for a commute in the high branches
of a rain forest, where we can squat
and bray at those who maintain a crease
in their trousers. Whenever we feel lonely,
we cram our way onto the L-train
to bask in the radiant heat of groomed
facial hair at close range. We eat cake
to forget, happily building a tent
of powdered sugar on our upper lips
and leaving a trail of sprinkles behind
like a spell to ward off doom.
Karen Hildebrand’s recent poetry publications include, “Steve Bannon Visits the White House” (What Rough Beast, Indolent Books), “Benefits (in the voice of Kellyanne Conway)” (Maintenant 11, Three Rooms Press) and “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” (Portable Boog City Reader). “A History of Feminism,” forthcoming in great weather for MEDIA’s anthology, was a finalist for the 2017 Disquiet Literary Prize. In 2013, her work was adapted for the play, The Old In and Out, produced in NYC. She lives in Brooklyn and is chief content officer for Dance Magazine.
SUBMIT to What Rough Beast via our SUBMITTABLE site.
If you want to support the mission and work of Indolent Books, consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Indolent Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity.
Join our mailing list to receive news, updates, and special offers from Indolent Books.