Imagine a Future Where Nobody Has to Hide Their Tenderness

As I walked to the café in the rain
I came across two ducks
chilling on the side of the intersection.

If you see ducks in an unusual location
it’s possible they have built a nest and laid eggs.

At the cafe my friend who works for the VA
was getting drunk and complaining about
how Elon Musk is gonna make him
and his little dog live in a cardboard box.

His Rage Against the Machine hoodie
was glowing like a tired bomb.

"2014, reframed" by Michelle Li

Justin Karcher (Twitter: @justin_karcher, Bluesky: @justinkarcher.bsky.social) is a Best of the Net- and Pushcart-nominated poet and playwright from Buffalo, NY. He is the author of several books, including Tailgating at the Gates of Hell (Ghost City Press, 2015). Recent playwriting credits include The Birth of Santa (American Repertory Theater of WNY) and “The Buffalo Bills Need Our Help” (Alleyway Theatre). https://www.justinkarcherauthor.com.