Em·pa·thro·po·mor·phic

I know it seems silly, because most of you will sort it out for yourselves. But I would really appreciate it if you correctly label me.

Everyone probably understands that I am a fruit.

But what about the child who wanders in, with their recently acquired grasp of language and general fruits? I don’t want to be a funny-looking banana.

Hello everyone. My name is Charles and I’m a 1983.

Hi, Charles

It’s been a long time since I’ve been really valued. Who am I if I’m not in circulation?

We totally understand. It’s hard being stuck here.

Right? Here we are, trodden upon by the masses. Never seeing the world.

If we could, we’d give you a group hug right now.

Before you say it, let me just say…I know, okay?
I really shouldn’t have.
I knew I would regret it, but I just couldn’t resist!

I just…couldn’t resist.

It was delicious.
I know they’ll close me up and it’ll be with me forever,
but I don’t care.

Please don’t judge me.

I do everything I can.

So many people stop by, but they never have much to say to me. A simple, ‘thank you’ would be nice.

I think I’m safe here…
No! I can hear them coming!
Be still…they can’t see.

Photo by Debbie Laferty Asbill

Things are changing.
Slower as we go,
faster as we grow apart.

Still a group.
We stand out now,
lifted by forces unknown.

Seeing all things.
From this height,
we recognize our place.

Just a few inches more and I would have been in the trash can.

THE TRASH CAN!

I never wanted to be part of a random heap –
Among discarded Starbucks.

No no…this is not right!
I am meant to become part of the earth, not trapped in a bag.
Why delay my decay any longer by lining us up in rows?
Please do me the favor of allowing me to become one with the soil again!

No matter who goes by,
they are seen as a couple.

Never alone,
only feeling mellow.

Two odd numbers;
Locked and unlocked.

Unaware of purpose,
they sunbathe in silence.

L’épi de maïs

How freeing! To shed these husks. The warm light on my kernels.

I may be shunned for it. They may never know the feeling.

Others have charm, sweet taste
My skin too hard underfoot

A fruit called prickly – discarded!
or thrown by children for fun

Dirtied by the foul of others
Made to stand in line

Do as told

Appreciated duty or torment
After too long unknown

With ease over time we realize
Something kept secret

Our transgressions
Slowly painted public

I hate to be mean, but we have been through this a few times now.
Where does the signal come from?
That’s right – the sky.
Where are you pointed?
Exactly.
You are pointing at the ground.
Try again, this time with a little more…aim.

I am never fully owned
Temporarily held in place

With care I sustain
If I am wanted

Do not consider me broken
You still have my soul

Were you up all night again?!

Oh come on man…do we have to do this again?

Fine, fine…I’ll just let you go out and drown yourself.

DUDE what is your problem? Water comes FROM us. We are ALWAYS drowning.

You know what I mean.

You don’t have to act like my big brother.

Somebody should look out for you.

Well, look at you! You’re huge! Why not lose a few pounds?

[sigh] Forget it. We’re stuck here.

Nice to have the day off isn’t it, Chicago?

Sure is, America.

You think anybody notices us when it’s calm?

Probably not.

That’s kinda sad, isn’t it?

I guess – they appreciate us on the windy days though.

Hah – isn’t it hilarious when people think Chicago is actually a “windy” city?

I love hearing that on our busy days. It’s even better when someone gets blown over.

LOL

n00bs

Sure is nice to rest though.

Oct 1, 2012 5:00 PM

Hey Scott

Yeah?

Something feels wrong.

What do you mean?

I feel a little…out there.

…

What do you mean “out there”

I feel like I’m floating – ever feel that way?

Not since the pre-build party with the stones

OMG that was killer!

Yeah

Hey Carl…you remember that chick with the extra mortar?

Carl?

Guys…where is Carl?

…

Dude…you slept through it – Carl and like four others are gone, man

Holy schist!

but I’ll let you enjoy me for a moment
while I figure out what to do

You don’t look like something I should eat
but I’d still like to attack your face

for some reason

Maybe I’m supposed to be here
and you’re not

A friend told me I deter spiders.
“Elemol” they said.

I don’t dislike them;
They do me no harm.

But what a strange thing
to tell me after all this time.

This coming from a citrus sinensis.
Flaunting his beautiful color.

I have been waiting most of the day for those flying guys to leave so I can POUNCE

I’m ready – I’m ready – I’m ready!

There is someone staring at me though, I can feel it.

HOLD

HOLD

Okay…let’s do this.

I don’t think they meant to leave me here.
It will be dark too soon.

Meant for simple storage.
Double wall corrugation!

Much longer waiting and I’ll become a sign.
Ripped and tattooed for coin.

In the wind,
      I have wings.

Permanently prepared;
Agape to worldly plight.

I am silent
(with proper operation).

I cannot let them see my happiness
when the stall sounds.

– Cessna Stall Warning Horn

The primary question.
Forget my solitude here,
why are YOU so dirty?

Worn and unworn.
Abandoned in my worst condition surely
destined for the heap.

– The Lollapalooza Shoe

Aloft for great perspective –
Alight for calm feathers.

Long days of survival –
Pesty humans swarm IX XII V.