An Apology
Elizabeth Bastos

There was the planet, Pluto,
that was lost and a case,

resulting in more than the usual
contraction of the universe.

I was a fan of banned
thickeners, plastics before marriage.

I checked yes every time, on top
in the loud rain, uneasy

among the cockatoos, the cardamom
grains of paradise. I want no more.

Take me back 20th century America,
take me back: cream, sugar, butter, and eggs.

1996 © 2009