okay, this is "comfort poem":

this is a comfort poem.
this poem is a big fluffy down pillow
a cup of hot tea
it is nature sounds blending into
thelonious monk plunking peacefully
it is specifically designed
to keep yr head above water
and yr feet on the ground
it is chicken soup
homemade
with big ol’ thick-ass dumplings
it is that tax refund you forgot about
arriving on the day rent’s due
it is not just for you but also for you alone
it is the welcome mat at home
that u wipe yr feet on
it is yr favorite song played on the radio
during bumper to bumper traffic on the 101
it is how it looks when u close yr eyes
and how it feels when u breathe deep
it is a prayer whispered in the tongue of yr choosing
it is a perspective-shifting story that yr grandma told u
it is the fusion of tough love and enough hugs to get u over.
this is the word benign
and all that it means
it’s the snooze button granting u just
nine
more
minutes
it is the minute possibility made manifest
it is
now i lay me down to rest
and all that it entails.
it is the movie you’ve watched at least 98 times
like yr reciting every line
because it makes u feel better.
this is a real letter from a real person that starts out “dear you” written in real cursive
this is the curse word u yell out just because u need to vent
this is cross ventilation in a room with no air
this is yr best friend brushing yr hair
this is me writing this poem because i care.
this is a comfort poem.
it is three little birds singing
everyt’ing gon’ be alright, chile
it’s a wild smile from a mischeivous toddler
it’s a tall glass of o.j. with a smidgen of vodka
or the smells of a holiday kitchen.
it’s a loved one at the gate when u get off the plane
it’s laughing so damn loud that folks think yr insane
it’s the first time your first love first mentioned yr first name
it’s a salve for the pain in times of duress
this is written relief for times of yr stress.
and yes...
this is
your comfort poem.

(c) Ratpack Slim/Rob Sturma 2002

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Ratpack Slim is the superhero, Rob Sturma is the mild mannered reporter. Slim's been rocking mics on the Los Angeles poetry scene for a few years now, sharing stages with luminaries like Talaam Acey, Jerry Quickley, Sekou Tha Misfit, and too many more to mention. Peace to Mom and Dad for the gift of gab, and Okayplayer for helping nurture it. (ratpackslim@hotmail.com)

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"You Sensitive Bastard", Rob Sturma's latest book of poems, is available directly from the author. It's a pretty book with a real ISBN number and everything.

www.myspace.com/robsturma