Tryst Poet: Joseph Carcel

Is an attorney in NY. When not writing poetry (or practicing law), he enjoys rock climbing, playing poker, and reading remaindered college texts. "You'd be surprised at what you can learn for a buck, he says. He's currently trying to complete a screenplay on Sonny Liston. Any producers interested?

Speaking in Tongues

Ceberus keeps forgetting.
Though I leave him nightly treats—
sometimes a cat or bit of Tamika's hair—
as if he were a Santa, he refuses
to lick me free, merely chews
on a wall or a book.

Once, as a boy, I let a brindled Dane
tickle me
with his great rough tongue.
Our neighbor screamed
at me to stop, grabbed
the Dane's throat until it stilled.

I should never allow such unsanitary,
disgusting things to happen to me, he warned.
I learned later a dog's lick is always pure.

I have been betrayed
by X.
Deception is addictive and
Isn't algebra wonderful.
Even Jesus could
testify
on the need
for betrayals
once in a while.