Inlet

Electronic feudalism

dominates discussion

that ought to

discuss the prevalence

of tumors or blood

clots,

but instead it is

strained with LCD

awkwardness and

pleasantries

unpleasantness crept

upon these chimed, monochromatic

pings—static—

lust confused for

as love, when a

solitary figure knows

himself less than those

who transfix upon

this pretension because of

a discontent and personal unwillingness

to love love,

even though lust lust

never occurred,

except

in its more stunted,

sickly form, as

hidden behind that

fine mesh made of

plastic and liquid.

--James Gapinski is a poet, freelance writer, and musician living in Portland, Oregon. His work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, including Flutter, Oak Bend Review, Gloom Cupboard, The Clemson Poetry Review, Burdock, and Qarrtsiluni. His 2009 novella, Right is Left, is available from Broken Bird Press, and his 2007 chapbook, Affectionately Dysfunctional, is available from Scars Publications. Gapinski holds a BSE in English from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.