if you’re reading this then you’re still alive

alyssa monks 

I was born in baltimore 

with its dirty streets 

and red brick rowhouses 

I came west 3000 miles 

To fill the california plates 

with poems and nonsense 

go ahead and eat your fill 

and toss the leftovers out 

to the dogs and roaches 

I love it here in california 

all I miss of baltimore 

Is the deep love of baseball 

and the fried crab cakes 

now this …