Most people like
terrible poems that
get published online
because it kinda
gives them clout
to say they liked it;
it’s not that they’re
idiots, it’s just that
I’m way smarter
and better and also
They don’t understand
art—like it’s more about
How pretty is
this girl
who wrote it? or
How much
clout does this
dude have?
Okay then I’ll
fawn over this
weak shit and
contribute
to a messed up
world of status
and clout
over everything.
Okay itc (in that case)
I’ll take it further
and acknowledge
status and clout is
legit
All that matters,
and art is
just stupid
If you don’t have status
you’re stupid
And low key / high key
a worthless person 🔑
Taylor Napolsky’s work has appeared in Hobart Pulp, Dream Boy Book Club, Maudlin House, Misery Tourism, Do Not Submit, and Charm School. He serves as an editor at Bizarre Publishing House.