The Golem
Mud thou art, and unto mud shalt thou return. Unless, that is, you're reckless enough to think you can transform yourself.
This poem was first performed at the New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island, July 29, 2017, and was subsequently published in Asimov’s Science Fiction, September/October 2018.
the golem lies on its back unseeing eyes seeing a ceiling which might as well be its sky while i stand outside and count the stars see the golem at the bar numbing its numbness never tasting the no. 7 while i pick up the tab and pursue you through the night the golem stares a hole through the television screen where i’m an outlaw for your love its pulse never quickening the golem reads the new york times all the war and betrayal and stupidity in one eye and out the other while i cross hot coals both ways for you look see the golem idly touch its brow the inscription that holds it in thrall carved deep with a knife of gold in runes of power from a dead language it rubs away a formless ache the golem without a thought in its head while i crack the corners of my carapace and emerge sticky and glistening look at the golem banded and bound now look at me free look at me me ∅
