Lodestar Quarterly

Lodestar Quarterly
Figure reaching for a star Issue 13 • Spring 2005 • Featured Writer • Poetry

Affection Control

Christine Hamm

All spills must be contained.
Special orange cones have
been provided.

Here is a list. Please point
to the nearest hazardous
condition in your environment.

It should be clearly indicated
on the map on your desk.

Do not leave the room until
the "all clear" sounds.

A nurse is available at all times
should anyone need an injection.

The needle is small but causes a great
deal of site trauma. Bruising and
swelling of the face sometimes occurs.

Watch for drooling and spontaneous
erections. Infected individuals may want
to touch everyone's hair.

As the affection progresses, safe areas
diminish. These should be circled clearly
on your skin.

The nurse will provide you with a magic marker.
It is a mistake to try to write at this point.
Humming is also discouraged.

Please be sure to rinse the affection from your
eyes by dousing them with ammonia for five
minutes.

You may experience blurred vision.
Staggering & moonblindness are common.

Christine Hamm

Christine Hamm has an MA in Creative Writing and is a graduate of Reed College. Her poetry has been published by Poetry Midwest, Exquisite Corpse, Kitchen Sink, Snowmonkey, Rattle, Absinthe Literary Review, Adirondack Review, and many others. She was also a finalist in the Atlanta Review International Poetry Contest. In 2004, she was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She teaches poetry workshops in New York City and is the literary editor of several journals. Her chapbook and alphabet book are available at [www.lulu.com/sharpNpencil][link defunct].

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