split
by Michael Gerard
Sitting in the waiting room
Of my psychiatrist’s office
I reflect on my week
I glance at tomorrow
There is a world outside
But I cannot see it
There is honest money but I am
Writing term papers for cash
I’m a sad piece of math
That’s being frank
I’m a tired hustler
Being split at both ends
Michael Gerard is a writer from the Cincinnati area. He is always writing, whether it be in the form of poetry, fiction or freelance work.
What surprising, fascinating stuff can you tell us about the origin, drafting, and/or final version of “split”? This poem was created in the middle of a severe depressive episode. I was in a particularly dark place and out of that darkness came “split”. The poem came out of me in a very raw format which matched the mood I was experiencing and in that way this poem feels very real and authentic to me.
Check out the write-up of the journal in The Writer.
Matter Press recently released titles from Meg Boscov, Abby Frucht, Robert McBrearty, Tori Bond, Kathy Fish, and Christopher Allen. Click here.
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Submissions
Poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction/prose poetry submissions are now closed. The reading period for standard submissions opens again September 15, 2025. Submit here.
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