Tell Freddy everything about how he fails,
push your chin forward, carry your skull high.

When he doesn’t hear, it’s worse than failing;
low grade interference boiling up,
cement in his eyelids, and he sees you
wondering how he manages to live.

Last night, Freddy’s wife told him he’s gross
and disgusting, which may sound mild,
but she told him that when he was in the only place
where he stands a chance of being safe,
where he stands a chance of living and not loving
the strong Oak limb.

Push your face into that phone and be scummy
while all he wanted to do is to read, to learn.

If you tell Freddy he’s a no-good hack, far too short
in the talent tank, where does he go to live?

.