The Gonads
Again, some asteroid
Hurtling hither
But, The Gonads.
Again, ancient texts
Revelations!
But, The Gonads.
Again, transcendence
Crashing thither
And, The Gonads.
Again, surrender
Seeking refuge
And, The Gonads.
Hoboken
Mow the lawn.
Trim the hedges.
Weed.
Wax the car.
Polish the rims.
Buff.
Wave hello.
Motion goodbye.
Bolt.
Mount some art.
Switch out some art.
Wait.
Take down art.
E-bay some art.
Wait.
Rodrigo Toscano is a poet based in New Orleans. He is the author of thirteen books of poetry. His latest books are WHITMAN. CANNONBALL. PUEBLA (Omnidawn, 2025, National Poetry Series finalist, NYPL best books of 2025). The Cut Point (Counterpath, 2023), The Charm & The Dread (Fence, 2022). Forthcoming is Salvage Nation: 100 Sonnets (Winter Editions, December 2026). His Collapsible Poetics Theater was a 2008 National Poetry Series selection. His poetry has appeared in over 25 anthologies, including, Best American Poetry and Best American Experimental Poetry. Toscano received a New York State Fellowship in Poetry. He won the Edwin Markham 2019 prize for poetry. He works for the Labor Institute in conjunction with the United Steelworkers. He has been on the board of the New Orleans Poetry Festival since 2015. rodrigotoscano.com