"The Human Potential" by Paul Fischer

Beautiful she is
standing naked and shameless
on the tips of tongues
the universe formed from a singularity
humanity from her taste buds

I want to harness potential like a beehive
appreciate the beauty of her womb
This is not a political poem
this one's on the human potential
the vandal that tied tongues
the thief that stole air from lungs
the thoughts that left minds numb
this one's on the human potential

I want to command language like an army
invade Taylor Mali's country for no good reason
other than my metaphors are in his sand!
This is not a political poem
though it has potential.

The same potential that eye contact has before a first kiss
the photos that evoke memories of the ones we miss
a caress that makes goosebumps complements
this one's on the potential

And when the time is right
put your bag of potential in the microwave
and let it pop
throw rocks of fulfillment at beehives
and make life come chasing
for stung you may be
wondering "what if" you will not

Paul Fischer is a second year student at UBC. He grew up in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, and often writes about the suppressed and censored culture of Utah. Initially introduced to poetry in high school by his English teacher, Paul has become a fan of both the page and stage. After his sister invited him to a Sage Francis show in Salt Lake City he discovered slam poetry and began reading at open mics in Salt Lake City. Paul is a two time highschool semifinalist in the Poetry Outloud National Recitation Contest by the National Endowment for the Arts. He ruffled feathers by performing Sage Francis' "Hey Bobby" to his Catholic highschool which was met with equal praise and contempt.