Assistant Professor Song by Matthew Zapruder

all the empty manila folders that held twilight’s forbidden thoughts

Assistant Professor Song

by Matthew Zapruder

---

I take my book of spells 
that don’t work 

and my silent megaphone
outside at lunchtime 

and scream at the sky,
I am leaving

my job as assistant 
caretaker of everything 

that will only matter
after it has been approved

by the standing committee 
of associate ghouls

that never meets,
their silent laughter

around a circular table
wanders into the chapel

then makes the endless 
fountain of bylaws

bend while the statue 
of the founder watches,

we all know he will rise
one day and meet us

where we are
to destroy us,

when I leave I will take 
all the empty manila folders

that held twilight’s forbidden thoughts
and this crying bowl

someone else’s mentor
handed to me the day 

I crossed the cobalt 
oblivion river,

I will burn my parchment
outside the new recreation facility

then go live 
with my green ache

on a very low hill that does not 
look down on anyone.

First published in ONLY POEMS (September, 2024)