The Brooklyn Rail

I have a list of titles for poems I might write — you’re welcome to use them too:

Fake Monk School

Phosphorescent Hi-Ho Kicks

Hello Coach, You’ve Been Lying to Me This Whole Time

Gonna Goon Gotta Goon

Objectivist Week

Orcas Biting Propellers

“I was ready to be a language writer but there was no open enrollment & the new kids were mean…”

This Scarred Torso Made for Legless Striding

Token Ramifications

Going Postal

Pivot to Remote Learning

You Don't Know How Bad I Want to Sleep On The Wall

Charlotte Kills the Penny Farthing Universe

When I was Pregnant with Anselm

“Death to America” Lacks Conviction

Never On Time / Always In Time

You Are Invited to Leave the Room

Seventeen titles, one for each year I was poetry editor for the Rail. I’d have left sooner, but after the gratis years it seemed alright to stick around a little longer. It’s always good to leave gigs, especially in the arts. By the way, I’ve already used three of these titles — some folks say you should never have a title first, & that’s probably true, for them, but it’s just a few sounds in space at the top or nearby wherever you’re writing that might open a tone. Let the dour-handed rangers beware – or take heart. Thanks to everyone who helped. Thanks especially to the poems for stopping by.

xo

AB