Next Time (Poetry)

Next time you’re asked
to fill in a form
don’t do it.
Write a poem instead —
use the paper
more wisely.
Scrawl across the silly boxes
ignore the no-go margins
and lined-off section
that states so bossily
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Steamroller your words
right through it all.

Then hand it in
or send it off
like homework —
a creative assignment —
and wait for
the protests —
those baffled responses
from bloodless machines.

Or perhaps
(if you’re lucky)
some laughter —
a few understanding
screams.