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Two Poems by Rodrigo Toscano

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Routines | Rodrigo Toscano

The clearest blue water, doesn’t think so. It’s condemned, or rewarded (either one) By routine. And the outlines of routine For water, is watery, all the time. Now, let’s ponder a shell pondering sand. Does a future (any) rattle a shell? Is a grain of sand mired in fantasies Looking to rally grains to become shells? How bout sky? The outlines of its routine. Are you in the picture? What’s your routine Unto the sky’s routines? Everyone now Getting the sun and moon into motion. Crabs (this is not going to be easy) crab About how they can’t crab about—nuthin.
An illustration of a honeybee painted in warm orange and yellow tones against a black circular background.

Novella 14 | Rodrigo Toscano

Out of nowhere, yeah, there is a cool vale In that book somewhere, fanning a forehead With two opposing armies approaching The picnic comes to an abrupt climax With only eighty syllables to spare They dash for the armies’ outermost flanks Through a sort of creek, with an ancient name Meaning, “take in the cool vale’s offerings And don’t forget to pick up your garbage” And with just thirty syllables to go The flanks are rounded, as shells start landing In the book somewhere, where they ought to stay Along with the wine, transverse flute, and swans Causing the heart to skip a beat or two.
An illustration of a honeybee painted in warm orange and yellow tones against a black circular background.
about the author:
Portrait of a man wearing glasses, a blue neck scarf, and a denim jacket, standing in front of a scenic painting featuring trees and a body of water.

The “good life” is Eudemonia. “Human flourishing”. Living a life that is deeply fulfilling, and true to your highest potential.

Rodrigo Toscano is the author of twelve books of poetry. His latest books are The Cut Point (Counterpath, 2023), The Charm & The Dread (Fence, 2022). Forthcoming is WHITMAN. CANNONBALL. PUEBLA (Omnidawn, 2025), a National Poetry Series finalist. His other books include, In Range, Explosion Rocks Springfield, Deck of Deeds, Collapsible Poetics Theater, To Leveling Swerve, Platform, Partisans, and The Disparities. His poetry has appeared in over 20 anthologies, including, Best American Poetry (2023, 2004), and Best American Experimental Poetry (BAX) His Collapsible Poetics Theater was a National Poetry Series selection. Toscano lives in New Orleans. 

A brief Q&A with RT is available on The Buzz.

Issue #21 ~ Autumn 2025
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