The I’m-Like Maneuver

I don’t like the I’m-like maneuver.

That prefers theater to words.

On me it has the effect of two fists

in the solar plexus; of being seized from behind

and squeezed and wrenched till I pop my gob. 

It says to me: Words are inadequate

for what I wish to communicate, Dude,

therefore, I will exhibit, Dude,

what I wish you to know,

with an ‘I’m-like,' Dude,

and on with the show.

Why not give up on words altogether?—

Just jump up and down and flap our arms

and hoot, all together.