Elizabeth Jaeger - Karma stands in reverse

 a mirror image

of how it should be—

a slap for each good deed:

an invitation extended,

a lift to the doctor.

the manuscript read

complete with revision.

Each time I’ve been scorned:

another rejection,

no offer to interview,

no rainbow bobbing on the horizon.

And so I say,

Karma screw you.

Have you forgotten,

or are you looking for a laugh.

Either way, I wonder

if I withhold my hand

and shove

the pleading party off a cliff

will you reward me?

Will you finally confer

the contract I desire

the success that continues to elude

the happiness I seek

but cannot find?

Or will you continue to punish

until I am crushed—

bleeding and dying

no hope of salvation?

Except in a new life—

reborn

in termite form.