At Times a Blessing I’m good at developing habits. At times a blessing, but mostly it’s a curse. My anxiety grows like a shopping list, Then spills like change from a purse. At times a blessing, but mostly it’s a curse. Fantasy turns nightmare; the dream sours, Then spills like change from a purse— Bought seconds and wasted hours. Fantasy turned nightmare; the dream soured. What have I made and what have I saved? Bought seconds and wasted hours, Life’s gravelly moments, a road now paved. What have I made and what have I saved? My anxiety grows like a shopping list. Life’s gravelly moments, a road now paved. I’m good at developing habits.
Because I Barely Remember Myself I doubt they remember me Because I barely remember myself Like climbing backwards up a tree Or pulling empty bottles from the shelf Because I barely remember myself Filled my life with exclusive debris Pulling empty bottles from the shelf Whiskey gone, somehow that’s the key Filled my life with exclusive debris And lovers who never fully undressed Whiskey gone, somehow that’s the key Those desperate thieves always knew best And lovers who never fully undressed Like climbing backwards up a tree Those desperate thieves always knew best I doubt they remember me.
Ryan Scariano is the author of two poetry chapbooks: Smithereens, published by Imperfect Press, and Not Your Happy Dance, forthcoming from Finishing Line Press. Some of his recent poetry has appeared in The American Journal of Poetry, Rock & Sling, Phantom Drift, basalt, DASH, and Bright Bones: Contemporary Montana Writing. He has an MFA from Eastern Washington University and works at Eastern Oregon University, where he coordinates the tutoring program and teaches First Year Experience courses for underprepared students. www.ryanscariano.com
Grand Little Things 
Great pantoums!! Lovely poems.
Amelia Diaz Ettinger
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