Hidden: a meticulous list
of the many secret weapons I’ve stashed on my island.
Whatever the situation, I can quickly locate
my best defense. So come at me
with your giant, mutated attack whales
& I’ll shrink them to tadpoles, keep them
in a glass of water & sometimes threaten
to flush them down the toilet. Drift by
on your plush & righteous flying carpet; watch
as all your pronouncements unravel in midair.
There isn’t much that will surprise me.
Each medal pinned to my chest stands for a time
I got the better of somebody who tried
to get the better of me, baby.
What bothers me are the empty spots,
a different kind of badge: the misses, the failings.
Loss. In my quest to become insurmountable, to be
the strongest, the one thing no one can get past,
I’ve had a few set-backs. When you come at me, come quickly.
Bring any weapons you want. I’m ready.
But when you leave, leave forever. I have a feeling
& I’d rather be alone.