Theory of Violence by Cydni Thompson

“I was very cool about my fear.”

Theory of Violence
by Cydni Thompson

Tell you what, melancholy. 
Eat lunch. Stop spitting.

The situation outside 
demands your hardiest 
pants. Concrete is hazardous. 

Grannies walk to work without moving.

I sipped lemonade during 
the active shooter threat at
Roosevelt Field Mall™. I was very cool

about my fear. The day
you don't die, someone
else will. How's that

for your fair weather prediction?

Truth is, you only get free
espresso if you buy a Michael Kors
clutch at Macy's. And

on your phone, a dove
teaches better ways to sing.
Open your mouth wider.

Stop thinking about the show.

When it ends, critics will say
your pensive sadness was sexy.

Then they'll finish dinner. Be
grateful. There are kids out there,
surviving
on the starch of a word.

★ Read our interview with Cydni Thompson! ★