Poetry by J.T. Whitehead

Superstition adversely possesses the peace of my mind

                        better judgment once occupied.

            God knows it tried.

Others take an image, in fragments, through multiple eyes,

                        with which to do whatever they wish.

            I think we’re simpler & bigger than this.

If you could start a slew of words with “If you could” –

                        & you can – then we can play & learn.

            Are you with me?

I’ll know I am playing my role in color, better than Bela Lugosi,

                        hungry & fatal if not eternal.

            Let’s make a scene.

Few things are equally over-riding & under-lying & over-arching –

                        few things are so . . . superlative.

            These are our themes.


J.T. Whitehead studied social and political and Eastern philosophy at Purdue where he received an MA in philosophy. He spent time between, during, and after schools on a grounds crew, as a pub cook, a writing tutor, a teacher’s assistant, a delivery man, a book shop clerk, and a liquor store clerk, inspiring four years as a labor lawyer on the workers’ side. Whitehead lives in Indianapolis with his two sons, Daniel and Joseph.