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Syntax Issue 10
Denver Syntax
{conversations}
  brett jenkins


The only kinds of these conversations
we ever have are drunk
conversations, because we are both
too self-respecting
to come on to each other
without the permission
of alcohol.
It’s always that way—
the faint/strong
smell of rum/vodka
in the back/front
seat of my/your
car.
Pants down, music up,
sweating like it’s mid-July
because sometimes it is.
I’m pulling, you’re pressing.
We’re all just machines
when it comes down to it.
Machines that run on strong
chemicals and sit in the backs/fronts
of other machines
to push each others’ buttons.