Calling a Wolf a Wolf. Kaveh Akbar

—How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

      filthy with pride I am standing as ever before watch

      me sing through the jaw of a mouse about

      the old miracles a crimson robe floating

      up from the Gobi

      sand into prophet then back into sand

       —How often during the last year have you been unable to recall what happened the night before because you had been drinking?

      even the river is tired of its slimy brown water there is no end to

      wanting pensioners walk around a mall ogling

      watches they’ll never buy one collapses

      in front of the display case his skin

      shimmers with sweat he looks

      like a great carp

       —Have you or somebody else been injured as a result of your drinking?

      under gold

      light my

      hands look