In order to view this poem with the line breaks the author intended, we suggest reading it on a computer screen or in the landscape orientation on your phone or tablet.

Small Errors
Ken Letko

skin is only
beauty deep

the waist
wasting

trouble-making
friends make

trouble making
friends ask

the marching band
trumpet player

about a chipped tooth
what a shame

what a sham
tilt the title

he said two coats
she said to coast

in the court
of social media

no good turn
is left unstoned

a piece of chewing gum
forgotten in a pocket

rides into the dryer
with a laundry load

no use cringing
over split milk

carp crap

—
Ken Letko’s poems have been published in numerous journals and anthologies, including California Quarterly, Cottonwood, Earth’s Daughters, Lake Effect, Rattle, and Spillway. Both the North American Review and Poetry South have nominated his poems for Pushcart awards. His book Bright Darkness was published by Flowstone Press in 2017. In 2021, Flowstone also published his sixth chapbook, Chopping Wood in the Moonlight. He lives in the redwoods of California’s northernmost coastal county, where he enjoys juggling and gathering firewood.

Know anyone who might appreciate reading Ken’s poem?
Why not share the link to this page?

Have you read these poems:
(Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, op. 27 no. 2) by Craig Cotter
Catherine’s Animals by Jeffrey DeLotto

Table of Contents