picking my brain
at the center of self
control
on patrol
a picture of Jesus
hangs in my skull
along with all
the other gods
I swear to
lost and found
and lost again
sometimes here
somewhere there
inside this place
I find myself
in the form of a
little boy
weeping
I sit beside him
asking why
he tells me
he misses his
mother
scars that can’t
be seen
tattoos that can’t
be stolen
hidden away
in a chest
behind a cold
black heart
once warm
and red
James D. Casey IV
Illustration Nick Victor
James D. Casey IV is a southern poet with roots in Louisiana & Mississippi. He currently resides in Illinois with his Muse, their retarded dog, and two black cats. Mr. Casey has authored four books of poetry, and his most recent title is Owls in Hot Rods with Pink Elephants and Dead Bats released through Cajun Mutt Press August 2, 2018. His work has also been published extensively by several literary magazines and small press venues internationally. Mr. Casey spends his days writing poems, but also enjoys practicing magick, and cooking Cajun cuisine.