Dodo Eraser

so when I run into James on Elmwood
putting up Christmas decorations
I kiss him on the cheek.

A few minutes later, I’m speaking at AA
because I got my first-year chip.
Sobriety means one less way
to talk to heaven.

Later that night, my mom calls to tell me
the carbon monoxide detector
beeps three times whenever
she thinks about my dead dad.

It doesn’t have any batteries in it.

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Justin Karcher (Twitter: @justin_karcher, Bluesky: @justinkarcher.bsky.social) is a Best of the Net- and Pushcart-nominated poet and playwright from Buffalo, NY. He is the author of several books, including Tailgating at the Gates of Hell (Ghost City Press, 2015). Recent playwriting credits include The Birth of Santa (American Repertory Theater of WNY) and “The Buffalo Bills Need Our Help” (Alleyway Theatre). https://www.justinkarcherauthor.com