Just as the system relies upon our compliance, it similarly relies upon monsters to instantiate the repercussions of transgression. A shadow serving to validate our commitment. Some, however, desire to become their shadows. Monsters, too, often embody desirability, because they enjoy the freedom to say yes. Yes, I will take what I want. Yes, I will treat anyone or anything however I desire to treat it. The monster represents a kind of total freedom that threatens the stability of society. The monster represents anarchy. Self-government. Autonomy. The monster incarnates freedom, a horrifying concept to those who base their identity on a set of rules meant to corral liberty in favor of stability.

-- Christopher Higgs, Becoming Monster

bleed it does

My review of John Dermot Woods' Activities is up at The Small Press Book Review.

Benadryl

un-lotioned

hands

dig

the bottom

kindled

and tampons

turn

clockwise

the rhythm

of the trickle

as scalloped

text message

light

raids the devil

face

we drew

in the

flat-screen

dust

and

you waited

to know

how
all my

mornings

begin