Four Methods of Crisis Management

I.

Hold your face even
with a fountain and
the shock of water
corrects itself against
your chin. Rain
would be simpler; its
drops fall in electable
soundbites.

II.

Stop at every rest area
the interstate offers. The gates
of the vending machines
have their own trigonometry.
When you think of choosing,
you’re in the process of
splitting clouds. Vapor
is a way of thinking.

III.

Elevate your feet
when graced with torpid
bones. A fireplace may be
effective as a map
of resistance.
The steel grate is a counter
to the unexpected
brisance in your blood.

IV.

Memorize all escape
routes with your ears.
Echoes on stairwells
are miscreants of
biblical proportions;
five point plans
get panicked
by asterisks.