n a t e    s l a w s o n

THE SUBURBS (machine)

THE SUBURBS (parade)

THE SUBURBS (machine)

I invented a machine that measures heartache.

This makes me exceedingly happy. And also very lonely.

I want to be buried in a drunk tank. Imagine, Sam,

someone breathing forever into a breathalyzer for you.

No machine can fully understand the catastrophe of being human.

next

THE SUBURBS (parade)

At the parade the marching band stops marching.

Seconds later a small girl opens her mouth as if to speak.

The girl’s mouth has become a forest. An owl flies out.

Why does this happen at every parade?

I will not lie to you, Sam. This life hurts more than usual.

next

NATE SLAWSON designs books for cinematheque press. He is the author of two chapbooks, most recently The Tiny Jukebox (H_NGM_N Books, 2009). His work has appeared or is forthcoming in Slope, Handsome, Cannibal, Corduroy Mtn., Forklift, Ohio, Typo, and other places.

a l i c e   b l u e    t h i r t e e n

I S S N     1 5 5 9 - 6 5 6 7