California Poetry Magazine –

"It Is I Who Have Rejected You" by Jackie Chou

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Title image shows a scenic sunset over a rocky beach.

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Published January 15th, 2026

California Poetry Contest #1 – First Place

It Is I Who Have Rejected You

by Jackie Chou

It is I who have rejected you,
chivalrous knight.

You have descended to the low sands,
and tossed pearls to the gulls.

Shred your sandwich, oh prince –
bread and baloney.

I am salivating,
wet drool on my chin.

What are these offerings
of brick driveways and children?

All I want is to fly away
after the feeding.

All I want are these scrolls.
Let me write my poems forever.

No white dress,
no marriage vows.


About the Poet
Jackie Chou resides in Pico Rivera, California, United States.
Read the poet's biography on Jackie Chou's Artist Page.

This poem is included in Poetry World #14, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Keywords: domesticity critique, love, relationships, creative process

Previously published in California Poetry Magazine:
A Matter of Life & Death
by Dan Brook

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