People who speak in affectations
survey the scope of the room to see
if anyone is watching them formulate
their next policy statement
The manipulation of the facial tissue
in conjunction with a constriction of the throat
produces an exaggerated articulation of each word
and a reapportionment of the lower lip
She might be an anchor woman
describing riots in another world
He’s testifying before a subcommittee
in expert cadence and pitch:
“Listen to me
I’m alone in a hotel room
eleven stories above it all,
out of cigarettes and falling asleep
with the New York Times
smeared all over my hands”