Typewriter Rodeo: Primaries

Each week, the Standard reaches out to Austin’s Typewriter Rodeo for a custom poem on Texas topics.

By Kari Anne HoltFebruary 23, 2018 1:31 pm,

It’s primary season here in Texas. The Lone Star State has among the lowest voter turnout rates in the country – so here’s a poem for those of you who are heading to the polls.

Primaries

you stand in line

waiting for your turn

to choose the person

you want to choose

against a different person

in the future

and it is not a sexy vote

it is not a marching in the street

heartbeat

thrumming

sticker-wearing

gasp-push to the future

it is instead

a small step

reaching forward

making the future gasping

possible

you stand in line

your primary voting hand

not-quite twitching

with anticipation

but this moment

this civic service

is your preparation

your toe in the water

for the sexy scary

heart-thrumming

storm

to come

 

Produced by Laura Rice.