A RUSTED SCREW

forgotten will be the steel grip, the battering the head and threads took as it held fast to secure and preserve as best it could despite a climate of constant stresses and strains

for rusted screw won’t leave in peace — it rejects the need for change — stains without regard, its corroded head strips leaving stubborn shaft requiring special tools to drill it out ... and that’s its legacy.

Matta grew up in New York, attended Notre Dame and is now living in Hillcrest. His work is in San Diego Poetry Annual, Dewdrop, Lucky Jefferson and others.