One From The Vaults

Antecedent
the realization that i am not the agent of euphoria
in this relationship.

fear is indeed capable of a slow evolution.

the woman and me, happy.
a slight drinking problem:
she has only been sober once
on all the dates that we have been on.

the woman and me, together.
serious.
a slight problem with paycheques
disappearing up her nose
when i am not around.

the woman and me, tethered.
dire.
an early grave for either one of us:

her from too much chemical indulgence.

or

me from worry, too much stress.

the realization that i am witnessing a car wreck
before it actually happens.

dreams of clawing at vinyl upholstery,
trapped, tied up, spotting a web of seatbelts
smelling gasoline
seeing rainbows on the asphalt.

waiting for fire.

-Michael Appleby
October, 2004

Upcoming Literary Events Involving Yours Truly

This month I'll be involved in a couple of literary events that you might want to check out, that is if you want to see me perform live, which you do because, come on, I'm totally hot. Alright, moderately lukewarm. Alright, alright, you pity me. There, are you satisfied?

Anyway, first up, is this coming weekend's Calgary Stroll of Poets Festival. The actual Stroll day is on Sunday, September 10. I'll be reading at the Second Cup in Kensington (338 10th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Earth) at the 2:45 p.m. show. So, if you are in Calgary and you are looking for an aural assault in the nth degree show up at the Second Cup in Kensington at 2:45 p.m.

Second up this month is the second annual Roar! The Roar is spread out over a few days in downtown Edmonton. I get to be one of the readers during the big finale of the festival. The finale is happening Saturday, September 23 at the Art Bar located in the Art Gallery of Alberta (3 Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Earth) at 8:00 p.m.

That is all. We now continue with our regularly scheduled programming.