After the Piper

by David Wasserman

I am what comes after the Piper.

I am the beanstalk carcass, a giant rotting in the yard. I am
dead wolves and witches and abandoned candy cabins in the wood.

I am the sticks and straw left on the road and a sea foam sacrifice. I am
the one thousand and second night.

I am the Earth, danced to death in hot iron shoes. I am
abandoned poems left crying in cages.

I am happily ever after.

I am living happily until there comes the One who Destroys all Happiness. I am
good days and bad days. I am dying together on the same day.

I am broken
promises to a generation.

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David Wasserman (he/him) is the author of Tiny Footcrunch (Unsolicited Press, 2018) and Dealing: Tarot Poems and Pictures (Unsolicited Press, 2019)––the latter in collaboration with Project Runway's Helen Castillo (art) and in support of NYC non-profit, Literacy, Inc. His work has appeared in 8 Poems Journal, Plum Recruit Mag, and Wine Cellar Press, among others. David is editor-in-chief of Second Chance Lit, teaches elementary school, and lives in Connecticut. Find him online at davidwassermanbooks.com or @davidwasserman1.