Mexico
by K. Silem Mohammad
the lion said to his reflection in the mirror
you can’t see me hmm interesting
you know what I am thinking about the lion said
ha ha ha Mexicothen they ran into each other
and always bragged we can do something
you can’t the lion said in a horrible voicearen’t you afraid of me little person
the lion said remember little friends
don’t run I will find you
didn’t I say so the lion said softlythe person rips off his mask
and shouts out I’m too calm
I’m a person help help
oh lion you have lied to me
the lion said shut up stupid
or we’ll both get firedGod went up to the lion
and said I will give you 20 years normal sex life
the lion said he desired only 10 years
what
so the lion said it again
God said OK you can have it
the person spoke up
can I have the other ten
the lion said no no
God said of course he couldI’ve done things human beings shouldn’t do the lion said
everyone was praising him
everyonethe lion said come with me
the lion came nearer and made time fall asleep
OK the lion said
oh boy I show you in plain English
A version of this poem will feature in the upcoming book Relentless.
About the Author:
K. Silem Mohammad is the author of several books of poetry, including Deer Head Nation (Tougher Disguises Press, 2003), Breathalyzer (Edge Books, 2008), and The Front (Roof Books, 2009). He is a professor of creative writing at Southern Oregon University.
