FALSE by Susan Tepper

FALSE

prognosticator 

clenched fists/legs splayed

dead center 

of the empty road.

Howling. 

Near daybreak.

Soon the scythe.

But for now

those inside slept

while clocks ticked.

A few dozy maples

dropped leaves.

Emerging sun 

glinting off houses 

painted weary.

Windows sparked.

Otherwise, stillness.

People sleeping.

Until.

Susan Tepper is the author of nine published books of fiction and poetry.  Her most recent titles are CONFESS (poetry published by Cervena Barva Press, 2020) and the road novel WHAT DRIVES MEN (Wilderness House Press, 2019).  Tepper has received many honors and awards.  She’s a native  ) New Yorker.  www.susantepper.com

The Spill Over by Susan Tepper

They’re sent to live among us

stirring our pots of discontent

in varying disguises—

seasoning—

raising temperatures past

the boiling point.

To revel in the spill over.

Never stopping they 

sniff out cracks in blood walls 

of mud huts and mansions,

the most commonplace dwelling

will do; all can be worked.

Everywhere and anywhere.

Slaughter costumed drab and deluxe

safe-cracking you

while you’re eating a sandwich 

not particularly of your choosing.  

Susan Tepper is the author of nine published books of fiction and poetry. Her most recent titles are CONFESS (poetry published by Cervena Barva Press, 2020) and the road novel WHAT DRIVES MEN (Wilderness House Press, 2019). Tepper has received many honors and awards. She’s a native ) New Yorker. www.susantepper.com