PHILIP PIARROT - POEMS

Philip Piarrot hails from Nashville, TN. Deeper roots can be unearthed in Louisiana but signs of his particular brood can be found as far west as Texas.
His work has been previously published in AHF Magazine and Better Than Starbucks.

The Gnat

I bask unsurceasing, my unvexed float

And {little-to-do} drifts idly by me

In a repurposed inflatable boat

He wobbles there; worldly, careless, and free



 I have thought to ask him how he’s feeling,

I look into his eyes and come undone

As he soaks in the sun like he’s stealing

And a lesser man would have much less fun


We roll with the tiny scarpering waves

Into the sea, leaving the land behind

Our little oars are strong and sturdy staves

Our motor is to conjure peace of mind


He slides off his trusty boat with a splat

Gendarmed self-awareness of a gnat


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Distillation
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To create a brand-new version of woe

One must start from beneath the foundation,

 Digging out the roots with a sharpened hoe,

Until one comes upon the very inundation


Souls from ages past; a congregation

On their knees in abject prayer and stone

In an unmoving, dark sea of ancients...

Pluck the nearest and bring it to your home.


You must convince him to speak of the years

The thousands spent on his knees beyond speech

Convince him freedom for his brethren nears

If he would talk, all would be within reach


Five minutes recorded is just enough

To make a man shatter all that he loves

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Kicks
​

It was a glamorous proposition

He ran his tongue over his lips and teeth

Smiled. Nodded. He accepted the mission

He was predisposed. And he was quite lithe.


How much would you pay a man to run through

The jungle in tennis shoes and a pack

Does the distance factor into it? Two

Miles, say…Room and board, and then two miles back?


He knew Netta would be there, the money

Was for her, to woo her to be his wife

He then thought of her way, always sunny

With her, he could live a contented life


He shouldered the pack, laced the proffered kicks

Smiled for the cameras. Fame in the mix.

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