IN A GIVEN STATE

IN A GIVEN STATE

BY SAMUEL PETERSEN

Sometimes words are whispered

Man-made

Nature isn't mean or kind

It's all a condition

The woods

A series of trees

Sticking together

He heard me cry

I was never alone

We traveled together

On a throne

It feels cold

I hug my skin

Sleep doesn't help

Salt and vinegar disguise the taste

I watch the weather

A toe truck for me feet

When am I hungry again

Hairy beast

Best in show

Last place

From the beginning

A cool quarter

Better than ringworm

Tinsel town frown

From now on

My eyes are open

Grass

Head injury glass jar syrup

That was weird

Glad I'm not!

In a given state

Everything is complex

Even the wind is math

Complicated snow

Happenstance sun

     I heard Tara's heartbeat from across the room. It had been years since we last saw each other. The cancer was about to take its final bite of her brain. Slowly digesting her for months on end, I saw a skeleton of a woman lying in bed. 37 is too young for her life to be snuffed. I wish there was something I could do. We never had any resolution...

Beetles are fragile like sand

Why are people evil?

What makes us good?

Maybe it's in a given state.

Hope isn't the end

Rope

Pulling in vain

Hanging on every word

The window is open...close it now

Magnets are better than...

What the hell is magic

Who broke the string

Fractured fact

     John had no idea this would be his final hike. If only he'd listened to the warnings. 6 people in the last month were attacked by bears. 

     "I'm so stupid..." he yelled.

     Who invented things first

Will the earth explode

Did the ocean fart

Daylight savings time or daylight saving time

Can we believe anything these days

extension cord blues are sung by...some guy

Nacho cheese, not your cheese, now, please...

Contemplate something

Do it in a given state

Believe in time travel?

     "You're a real prick, Edward!"

     "Well...you're pretty stupid, Gail!"

     It went on and on like this for nearly 3 years...or at least that's what we were told. Oh...school children, why must we fight like this. You're both a bunch of bullies. We wear uniforms for a reason...can't we just learn and get along. Nothing they ever did could change their minds about picking on each other. 

     Everyone knew it was because they secretly liked one another. As the fog rolled in, our eyes were obscured for only a moment, but...that is all they needed. Edward and Gail locked their gaze and finally saw themselves in a different light. Time stood still as he reached for her hand. Gail looked down at her trembling fingers. It started to rain...all the other children ran for cover.  

     "Why do I feel this way?" she asked. 

     "I don't know...but I like it...do you?" he was curious.

     "I...uh...I" Gail licked her lips and shuffled her feet, "...uh...I do...I like the way my heart feels."

     "Thank God..." Edward sighed, "I thought I would burst if we didn't feel the same!"

     "How long have you felt this way?" she melted in his arms.

     "Since the first..." lightning struck as they both ducked from the intensity!

Melted butter is the same as hard

Popcorn deluxe

Station wagon avenue

This chair is...

I can't believe I was wrong

In a given state...sometimes I'm right

Potluck princess bringing a stuffed duck

Greasy bones and dry hair

These pants are tight

This shirt is loose

Is that my beard I feel

How many times did I just blink

We fight

We're glad

Buffalo dip is either delicious or insulting

Can we please...just in different tones

     Roger was nervous as hell...who wouldn't be at their first stand-up comedy show. He had been practicing his routine for the last six weeks...fine-tuning every joke and transition.

     "Maybe it was a bad idea to invite my mom!" he laughed to himself.

     The announcer was buttering up the crowd with a few one-liners and quirky stories. They appeared to be in a good mood and ready to laugh...liquor helped that!

     "You got this dude." he shook out his hands and jumped up and down a couple of times.

     A few short minutes now and he would fulfill a life-long dream. Roger could smell the atmosphere as if it had an aroma. It excited him from head-to-toe.

     "I'm in this balls deep now!" breathing through his nose.

    The announcer screamed his name as everyone cheered. Bursting on stage with energy and drive, Roger grabbed the microphone. Just as he was about to mutter his first word he looked down into the crowd.

     "OH SHIT!" we're Roger's first and last words on stage.

     His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he collapsed on stage. One asshole in the back laughed until she realized it wasn't part of his act. The announcer ran to Roger's aid...feeling for a pulse. 

     "I think he's dead...call an ambulance," he shouted while looking down into the audience...when all of a sudden..."OH, SHIT!"

     The announcer fell back and hit his head on the wooden stool. Dammit, that same asshole laughed again...she couldn't help herself although she felt bad...but only because it was serious now. Two men died within a few seconds. There was a vlogger in the audience who made his way to the front.

     "I've got to report on this story," he said to himself.

     Taking out his phone to record the scene, he looked back and said, "OH SHIT!"

     This was that vlogger's last story...however, his phone was still recording as he was uploading live. Cracking his head on the edge of the stage, he knew he might not make it. With the camera facing towards the ceiling a bewildered face slowly came into view. The vlogger gurgled out his final headline...

     "JERRY...SEINFELD...KILLS AT...COMEDY SHOW...WITHOUT SAYING A WORD!"

     Jerry swallowed deeply as he had no idea what the hell just happened. Not realizing the phone was recording...

    Jerry muttered, "I wish I would have gone to Michael Richards party instead!"

     At that moment, the lady asshole happened to be right next to him as she busted out laughing. Trying to cover her mouth, but unable to stop, she ran for the exit. Crying from the uncontrollable laughter, she accidentally bumped into an elderly woman in the doorway...nearly knocking her over.

     "I'M...SORRY!" asshole lady burst out laughing but actually meant it.

     The elderly woman was slightly confused at first as everyone was screaming and running around hysterically. Then, all of a sudden she saw Jerry Seinfeld making his way past her. A smirk grew on her face as she reached for his arm...

     "Mr. Seinfeld...Mr. Seinfeld..." she tugged for his attention, "can I tell you something?"

     "Ma'am...I sorry, but there's been a..." he tried to warn her.

     "I just need to tell you..." interrupting him, "You are my son's favorite comedian...of...all time!"

     "Well...I'm glad to hear that," he was about to tell her about the three deaths this evening...

     "My son Roger is performing tonight," she smiled, "I hope I didn't miss it!"

     "OH SHIT!" said Jerry.

IN A GIVEN STATE...

Pretend to be manipulated

Oscar...so many things come to mind

Right vs. Left

Alone again

Bewildered elk roam the Ukon

We were never really broken

Just slightly damaged

Antlers bleak

     The beach was perfect as the sun set like an angel baby dipping her feet. The hypnotic waves washed the endless shore. Seven seagulls soared while scouring the sand for scraps. In the distance, a group of friends laughed while preparing a fire. As darkness inevitably crept over the land, light submitted to its demands. 

     Making his way to the edge of the water, William was dressed in his favorite jeans. They were the ones with a small tear below the right knee and frayed edges at the ankles. There was a slight chill in the air as he buttoned the top of his blue and white flannel shirt. Adjusting his baseball cap and backpack, he sighed while the last light disappeared along the horizon.

    "Beautiful...isn't it?" a woman commented while walking her chihuahua.

     "It truly is," William smiled and replied back.

     "Have a good-night," she continued on as the tiny dog tip-toed beside her. 

     "You too," he waved.

     Taking in the surrounding world, William closed his eyes. The sounds and smells permeated his entire essence. It was as if he was one with the world, becoming some sort of floating entity. Melding with everything in existence he was brought back to reality as the cold liquid washed over his brown hiking boots.

     Slowly opening his eyes, the dark ocean beckoned to him. William knew it was time to go and he couldn't wait any longer. His backpack was unbelievably heavy as the two bowling balls he placed inside earlier tired him. It was quiet now and only nature filled the air. Closing his eyes he slowly walked into the eternal water. Nothing was going to stop him...

 In a given state we are weak

Weakness is sometimes a strength

Strength is determined by the mind

Our bodies like a tool

Breathing is automatic

Muscles react

Flinching at electricity

He looked at me

I looked back, but now I'm confused

I think we are both scared

They are sitting down

He just bowed

Now they've moved

My heart is tightening up

The man just walked away, I don't know where he went

Someone dropped grocery bags, but it's ok...he picked them up

A guy just pointed and laughed

Another looks confused

Pushing a cart through the crowd

His hand slides in his pocket

He's reaching for something...but...what is it...I can't see

Dammit...some lady ordering coffee just got in my way

Oh...now she moves

What the hell is he reaching for

Great...his hands resting on the side of his belly

Can he talk any louder on the phone

Crap...he's gone

My wrist is sore...shit...she's back and kind of looked at me

Checking her phone and reading to herself

CHAOS

Oh that's the music on my headphones

That dude is back

Two girls sat down and they are trying to look cool

One's on her phone...the other is punching a straw in her drink

I also saw her eat a bite of something

They are not taking...just chewing...but I thought they were talking

Remember...I can't hear because of the music in my ears

It helps me think

A kid in a cart...reaching down

His mom is standing there now...she took him out

That gentleman who had the hand in his pocket...he's eating now

I can guarantee that wasn't in his pants...

Chewing is so weird...but without it we're dead

I guess not completely...we can still drink...but who just wants that

Those girls are talking now...I heard one of them over the music

I'm gonna change the song...

That one girl said something about notifications...but I don't care

Well...I guess technically I do...otherwise I wouldn't have wrote it

I'm cold

That original/first guy ordered some kind of coffee drink

He showed me...only because I looked

His voice is deep...probably b/c he's directly behind me

I really hope he can't read this...that would be embarrassing

Ordering a drink

Order a drink

What do you want to drink

If it wasn't for Christmas...would anyone like December

There is way too many people here right now...I don't like it

Not sure why...it's fine I guess

Someone is looking at me...or the person behind me...

Ok...he's looking away now...

Op...the girls are leaving...nearly missed that one

They were kind of boring anyways

How do people evolve

I mind energy...the mind is energy...remind me of energy

Opposites attract...that's really open-ended

Someone got a holiday gift

Weird...I thought she was young...hey those girls are back!

Ok...now they're gone again...

Must've forgotten something

We all want a diagnosis

I saw a man with a cane...he walks slow

I only have a glimpse in time...I don't think I could handle more

Ugh...more people...I think they want my seat

A quick shock went through my body...someone bumped my chair

I really do love pizza...but I don't have any

Need to focus...I'm getting off track

In a given state...

     The snow crunched with every step Deb took. She needed a break from the party and decided to walk outside. Zipping up her jacket she crouched near the laundry vent, which was in small area of the house that jutted inwards. There was a six-foot by eight-foot space where she could walk back into. Someone must have started a load as the warm steam smelled clean. After a few minutes of quiet reflection, she heard the house door creak open. Two sets of steps began walking her way.

     She was hoping they wouldn't find her hiding. Luckily the individuals stopped just short and lit up some cigarettes. 

     "This party is so dull," one of them commented.

     "Why do we even go to these lame work events?" the other stated.

     Deb's ears perked up as she knew it was Darla and Karla. They were known around the office as "The Arla's". If there was something to complain about, they were always front and center. 

     "Was everyone inside as we came out?" asked Darla.

     "Everyone except for Deb," said Karla.

     Deb froze and was completely still. Unfortunately, she was crouched in an awkward position but dared not move. Thankfully the dryer was running so it created a little noise.

      "I saw her go into the bathroom as we stepped through the door," Darla recalled.

     "Are you certain?" Karla wanted to know.

     "I'm...pretty certain," replied Darla.

     "Well...I need you to be absolutely positive," Karla grew slightly agitated. "They are about to do the evening toast."

      "Yes...I'm positive!" Darla was irritated at Karla's annoyance.

     Deb's knees were starting to ache from being completely still as she rested her hand against the house. Her white jacket, pants, hat, and gloves blended perfectly into the steam, house color, and snow. She wanted to know what they were talking about and why they wanted everyone in the house.

     "Let's take a quick peek around the house," suggested Karla. 

     "Good idea," said Darla.

     Deb grew nervous as the footsteps came towards the area where she was hiding. They were practically on top of her when all of a sudden there was silence.

     "Crap...they're about to start the toast...we're running out of time!" Karla grew anxious. "Let's just check the laundry inlet space quick!"

     Deb nearly shit herself as she closed her eyes hoping they wouldn't find her. Darla and Karla moved closer, making their way to the side of the house that jutted inwards. Because it was so cold, the steam from the vent was thicker than usual.

     "I hate that dryer sheet smell!" declared Darla.

     "Well...I don't see anyone," stated Karla as Deb blended in perfectly with all of her white winter gear. They were unable to see her as they pulled two small bottles from their purses.

     "Did you make sure that Ted put you in charge of pouring the champagne?" asked Darla.

     "Yes...he's in on it," Karla snickered.

     "Make sure you put six drops in all the glasses, except ours...we only put in one drop," Darla rehearsed their plan. "Veronica left five minutes ago...it's like clockwork with that girl...going to the motel so she can sleep with our boss after the party."

     "It's the perfect alibi to the perfect plan," Karla grew excited.

     "I can't wait to read the headlines," Darla imagined what they would say, "POISONOUS CARNAGE AT A PARTY...15 DEAD, 3 SURVIVORS, AND 1 SUSPECT."

     "Ted will testify that Veronica Smitherstine filled the champagne glasses," Karla verified with her partner in crime.

     "It's time...let's get back inside and finish this!" Darla smiled devilishly. 

     The Arla's made their way into the house. As soon as Deb heard the door close she fell to the ground and was out of breath. Hustling to her feet she grabbed the phone from her pocket and went to kitchen window. Trying to stay out of sight she opened the camera and started recording as Darla and Karla met Ted. They took the two small bottles and started dripping the contents into all the glasses. Ted kept an eye on the kitchen door as the two women continued to do their work. 

     "What the hell are they thinking," Deb whispered to herself, "stupid dirty bitches..."

     As they finished filling the last glass, Deb raced to the front of the house while taking off her winter gear. She knew she had to stop them, yet find a way to reveal their devious plan. If she didn't handle it perfectly, they would all just get off scot-free...