INTERVIEW WITH A DEPARTMENT STORE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO HAS ORDERED SUBJECTS TO SAY RELISH BEFORE THE SHUTTER SNAPS.

I’ve thought of saying “say mustard”

but I think of gods swallowing their children

I’ve said “say relish” & they say “relish”

as if they’re stirring paint or “relish” as if

they’ve stepped into debris & as for saying

“say catsup” you get froggy mouths

I realize it’s a big world (of foodstuffs)

but I’m a very old school shutterbug—

I’m not going to say “say wasabi” or

“say tahini” or “say mixed berry spreadable”

imagine me saying “say gluten free” before

the shutter snaps, oh, to hell w/ cheese—

which condiment will break the frown?

for 2015 NaPoWriMo sonnet #21: Interview with a Drama Queen at Dairy Queen
for 2015 NaPoWriMo sonnet #23: Interview with H&R Cock Block