Matthew Thorburn, Subject to Change
(New Issues: Western Michigan University, 2004)
ISBN: 1-930974-46-9, $14.00


Jim & John
Wherever I go
a contortionist's act
we dance together, too
arms (we've got just two
I stepped on someone's toe,

of a couple. No use whispering
with you? She's too busy thinking —
But they must bathe together,
him without
him naked too.
Yes, I'd have half

the hugging to do.
This is my brother, he's along
as of that'd help —
but what about what
pretend to snooze? Snore a bit? Yes.

And I'll tell her, No, don't
worry, my brother's passed
out — too much to drunk — it's just
you and me now, he won't hear
a thing. No, I'm sure. But we

haven't much time. Do you
know what it's like to be
with someone alwyas and always
be lonely? Yes, I love him. No,
not like this; this . . . no, he —
didn't hear a thing.
good night, then, good night —
I go, too,
every time, and if we dance
many legs, too few
to share).
But whose? We're a couple in search

to a woman, I'd love to be alone
wondering? shuddering? —
dress together; can't undress
Or He couldn't hug me without . . .


He'll say to her,
for the ride; I'll close my eyes —
for the dinner, the dance,
comes after? Come on, shall I












Oh! I was sleeping, honestly —
Not a thing. I was dreaming —
of my other arm.