what is poetry?

if you thought poetry is about
stepping into an ocean of stars,
then you probably think
poets are shiny, shimmering women
with long hair, tinkling in silver
and an air of a startled doe.
yes? then fuck you charlie.

poetry is written by fat ladies 

who secretly work for the c.i. a.

poetry is the hankering,
a denying yourself of cheesecake
it's bad for your heart.

poetry is about losing 
your temper, your hair,
your youth, your innocence,
your heart, your children.

poetry is love and pain
and loneliness, mixed
with hatred. it's vile and viscous.

and yes, it's about hesitation
you feel when standing
on the ledge made of quinoa
waiting to jump into an abyss
filled with fireflies.