POEM: "The Essential American Worker"

Since this week’s book tour diary was about labor, I thought I’d share one of the poems from ALIVE AT THE END OF THE WORLD that directly addresses capitalism and the pandemic.

The Essential American Worker

America kills me, then says “now get back to work.”

            [It’s 7pm again; it’s time to clap.]

            [It’s 7pm again; it’s time to clap.]

            [It’s 7pm again; it’s time to clap.]

I know

a ghost like mine don’t come cheap.