, 2012              

 

SHANKPAINTER 47: 2006-2007

DANIEL KHALASTCHI

FOR YOU ON YOUR BIRTHDAY:

For your birthday
I've baked you
a cake of whole rabbit

and parsley.  I didn't use
any yeast or flour but the cake
still rose because I left

all the bones in.  There was little
preparation so don't feel bad
if it turns out you don't like

it.  When I put the pan in the oven,
her fur caught fire.  The flames set off
my smoke detector, but once I spread

her body over with mayonnaise
the hair singed dull and
everything got quiet.  I caught

her in the courtyard
which means if you do end up
liking it I can try to catch

another one and we can cook it
together for our anniversary. 
I used chocolate icing

but I'm sure you can see that
for yourself.  I wanted to be with you
when you tried it, but I don't have
money for travel.  None
of the innards were removed
so be careful when you cut

in.  I remember one night
you said my bones moved in my skin
like a tent being raised

under water.  I boiled her first so you'd
feel better about diseases.  When it was
over, I clipped her toe nails and

blew dry her coat, which I realize,
now, didn't matter. 
In my apartment, it smells

like wet wood and spilled
kerosene so I've opened a window.  Your cake
should cool before I send it.  If I can

get it to stay, I'll tie a blue
bow around its middle.  If I can't
just know I really wanted to. 


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