Free like a cancerous
Bluebird
Drowned and choked
By years of abuse
Open eyes and
Spread wings
Never seeing the
Light being
Confused at the
Sight of it
Advertisements
Hidden messages
Viewed behind
Sunglasses
Awake but asleep
At the same time
Leave the nest
Find your legs
Go to school
Get a job
Get married
Accumulate debt
Grow old
Die
Bullshit
Not this bird
I want to fly
Above the world
With the aliens
James D. Casey IV
Illustration: Claire Palmer
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.