david macpherson : “directions for the man in the shirtsleeves found in the 1930’s era snapshot”
Look directly ahead. Be puzzled at the notion that someone is taking your picture. Grip the beer can in your left hand tight enough for the indentations to be noticeable from a distance. So many miles. So many years. Wear your hat at a high angle so that it does not shade your eyes. Squint from the sun or from habit. If your shirt is tucked in, be sure to pull out one tail. Fist up your right hand and hide it in your pants pocket. Purse your lips as if to ask why they are pointing that thing at me. Do not say it. Be paused. Be silent.
If you follow these directions, your soul will be lost forever. Your image will be stained and nestled for years in a box of vernacular photographs at a thrift shop. 2 dollars each. 3 for 5 dollars. You might be purchased and adhered into a collage. You might fade into grainy disregard.
David Macpherson lives in Worcester, Ma. He is a co-editor of Ballard Street Poetry Journal & is a columnist for gotpoetry.com.
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