Jack Bedell
—Twin Peaks: The Return, E8
Spread your smile, girl, and open
your throat a bit to let the truth
slide all the way in. It will
fold its wings and swim
tight circles in your belly.
Like the trembling radio told
each one of us, Drink full
and all will end. Swallow hard
to help. That locust’s come
across the desert just for you.
It’s waited 11 falls to crack
its shell and drag itself
through white sand to your
window, so rest your head.
Let the others bleed.
No need to worry about ghosts.
The sun will sort them out
in the morning. You’ve got
growing to do now with this new
burden, and all it’s set to unleash.
***
Jack B. Bedell is Professor of English and Coordinator of Creative Writing at Southeastern Louisiana University where he also edits Louisiana Literature and directs the Louisiana Literature Press. His latest collection is No Brother, This Storm (Mercer University Press, fall 2018). He served as Louisiana Poet Laureate 2017-2019.