Unflappable

i figure i am seven levels of hell above skid row.
and nine miles below unflappable.

hiding out for seven yrs from the cultural revolution
that is going on here, big usa,
& nine months back in with it, now.

a lower-level poet on an unstoppable high.
sighting crimes and having things recited me,
i am not not paid enough to wear my own poker face
in the face
of whats most shocking
ovall, really,
gaping open humanity.

we take in what comes, even swiftly
process,
but each time a wicked thing
our way comes we are taken
if mildly,
aback.

i want to be taken aback over and
again, lest i become unflappable,
or, am ready to don an award-
winning poker face.