“Alternates” by Connor McMahon

Alternates

one where I walk dazed through miles of forest

foraging for dinner and writing urgent, hungry poems.

one where I sell everything I own and move to New York City with just my backpack and a dream. any dream would do.

one where I take vows, council troubled passerby when they sit next to me on the park bench.

one where I’m a Love’s cashier with a heart of gold but an unspeakable secret.

one where I kiss her towards some ends other than that it seems like the kind of thing real
people do.

one where I kiss her at all.

one where I’m more useful than I really am, unencumbered by generalized cowardice.

one where I wasn’t born somebody who dies twice.

one where I actually enjoy fishing.

one where I can pass manhood down to my brother.

one where I believe somebody hears prayers.

Connor McMahon

Connor McMahon is a trans, Appalachian poet from Alabama, currently living and writing in Atlanta, Georgia. He is an attender of the Atlanta Friends Meeting and an enthusiastic patron of his local library. His work is forthcoming in Screen Door Review.

Headshot: Skylar Morgan 

Photo Credit: Staff