Sarah Bartlett

I bought one

to perform in-depth

analysis in the guise

of a game—it’s not hard

to trick yourself.

The Rorschach blot

looks like a bird

nailed to the wall,

which seems

counterproductive.

“Unlock Your Dreams”

has nothing to offer

on re-drowning.

I find a card

that commands:

Notice Beauty!

I write the manufacturer,

The magnolia tree

outside my window is

revealing hot pink blossoms—

they are curled against

themselves, tighter

than a virgin.

It remains unclear

whether any of this

is working.

Posted 08/13/09