Here, take a leaflet,
they say, riding the curbs of avenues
landing on the corners
of Broadway and 42nd Street
shoving sheets to the
suits pushing past, take a leaflet
the offering arms extended and brushed aside
like subway turnstiles
resilient.

Here, take a leaflet:
You’ll need this if you really want to live.
There’s a sale on plaid and checkered
Striped All natural
Never from concentrate With all new
Chocolatey chips and berry bits
Organic turbo Top of the line But
Wait there’s more Flavor blasted
No preservatives Button up There’s
a sunroof Plastic We’ll double it for
free Half price through Monday Farm
fresh sensation Thirst quencher Removes
all spots Cloud nine Ask your doctor
Microwavable 200 miles per hour
Now that’s the way to live and die.

So they leave with
bowling shoes,
pie crust tins,
dreams that won’t start,
surplus mustard

Here, take a leaflet:
You’ll need this if you really want to live.
Evacuation Notice: all Gaza residents
must move immediately by 12 p.m. today.
Those who do not comply endanger their
lives and the lives of their family.

And so they leave with nothing.