The Chili
by Anthony Warnke
Curious about the large chili,
I google Wendy’s nutrition.
I refuse to capitalize google
as an act of defiance
like I refuse to capitalize
god when I text you:
oh my god, the chili
Anthony Warnke’s poetry has appeared in, or is forthcoming from, Cimarron Review, North American Review, Salt Hill, Sixth Finch, and Sugar House Review, among other publications. His chapbook, Super Worth It, is forthcoming from Newfound press. He teaches writing at Green River College and lives in Seattle.
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What surprising, fascinating stuff can you tell us about the origin, drafting, and/or final version of “The Chili”? This is one of those poems that materialized in its final form in one sitting (if only every poem arrived so easily). I had recently gone to a Wendy’s for the first time in several years before writing it. The poem is a little knot of the politics and pleasures of everyday consumption.
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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.
Upcoming
03/23 • Kenneth Pobo
03/30 • Roberta Allen
04/06 • Avril Shakira Villar
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