Redhead and the Slaughter King

"The [Metaphorical] Daughter of Sexton and Ginsberg" - Muzzle Magazine's 30 Poets Under 30
About the Author
Megan Falley is the author of two collections of poetry: After the Witch Hunt and Redhead & the Slaughter King. In 2013 she was featured on TV One's Verses & Flow, a show available in 38 million households showcasing the best in spoken word and music. In 2012 she toured for 100 days across the states and Canada delivering electrifying readings to promote her first collection. Known for her ability to command power both on the page and on the stage, Falley has represented NYC on several national slam teams, and is also published in Pen Center USA's The Rattling Wall, PANK, Muzzle, and more.
Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Alibi "Danish Man Aquitted of Sexual Assaults Because He was Asleep, Suffers from 'Sexsomnia.'" -NY Daily News Why isn't there a disease where you do something useful in your sleep-maybe file my taxes? Caulk the bathtub? Scoop the kitty litter? I need a pedicure. Need to fix this unibrow. Finish that manuscript. Can't you help with that? I've suddenly contracted a sleep-punching disease. I'm going to cuddle up next to everyone who believes your shit. In my disease I tie balloon animals out of scrotums. It's okay. I'm sleeping. I don't want to be held accountable either. It's funny-your disease manifested itself at thirty-one years old when you had a pair of teenage girls in your home. Curious it didn't haunt you on your camping trip with Grandpa. If I had an affliction where I unconsciously shoved a pistol into the people I loved, I'd tell them: look, I do this thing in the night-it might kill you, but it isn't me. Except I'd know it was me. I'd sleep in a crypt. I'd cut off my own hands.