Max Kerwien

Max Kerwien is a poet and comedian. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. In 2016, he won the Joan Grayston Poetry Prize. In 2018, he published his first collection of poetry, Poems to Ruin Dinner with. His work has been published in the decomp Journal, the DASH Literary Journal, and more.

Instructions Shouted in the Moment

I said did you leave the garage door open.
She said the encampment lies over the hill.

I mentioned someone might have stolen something overnight.
She said we must line the battlements with mortars.

I said I can do it, just let me settle in first.
She said at the sunrise we shall melt the bridges with tar.

I asked if you finished the leftovers from last night.
She said don’t bury the dead, they can tell us stories.

I said I was hungry and can you hear yourself right now.
She said light the beacon and tighten the straps.

I said it was the pinstripe beams you wore like cell bars.
She said they are past the gates and battlements.

I was wondering why all your dreams don’t include me.
She said let us die with the sun’s light in our eyes.

I said I am here, are you.
She said they are upon us.