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Murphy's Lament
by J. Kates

Rule Number One: Everything's attached.
In the briar patch whichever way
you turn, somebody gets scratched.

Rule Number Two: Your eyes bleed
when they are plucked out and weep
when they are stuck in. Proceed

accordingly. Your oldest friend
needs that woman, that job, no more
than you do. Friendships mend

if they are meant to. Have some fun.
Make some money. Get what you can.
Above all, look out for Number One.

 

(Previously published in Tendril)