Poems by Dan Sicoli

what to do when the neighbors put up a for sale sign

  1. toast them with daiquiris. remember although you may think of them as friends, you were neighbors first. all relationships end. expiration, the natural order.

  2. do not recommend interested parties. steer clear of any suggestions for "curb appeal." maintain your property as necessary. do not budget any extra funds for landscaping, paint, or other cosmetic improvements. don’t mend the fence.

  3. do not inquire about the asking price. do not approach the realtor or attend the open house. do not inform the assessor. they will not be an ally.

  4. continue to plan your legendary 4th of july celebration. the neighborhood has always enjoyed the live band and endless keg.

  5. after closing, don’t lose yourself in equity’s digestive system. don't fret about losses or gains from the selling. all life's plans require tweaking. always carry an eraser.

instinct refined


because the sky is made of rivers
birds have mastered cartography

most will flee when pressed
though not all take flight

sometimes when on magnetic wing
one-eyed slumber leaves half brain conscious

for all their fluttering hearts
their hollow bones inflate

with breath pumping from
porous calcified lung

a feather canoeing on a current of
molecules angered in an air of bliss

Dan Sicoli authored two poetry chapbooks from Pudding House Publications, "Pagan Supper" and "the allegories." He is also an editor with Slipstream. Recent credits include Aji, Angel Rust, Ethel Zine, Blue Collar Review, Book of Matches, San Pedro River Review, and Sleet. On weekends he beats on an old Gibson in a garage rock band in Niagara Falls, NY. <www.pw.org/directory/writers/dan_sicoli>

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nickel on the table by Anthony Liccione