For Terrance Hayes

John Kellogg created the cornflake to counteract desire.

Something so bland, he thought, will surely dissuade

even the most diabolical sex fiend from self-indulgence.

Kellogg underestimated the needs of the body.

A classic practice among physicians. Not just to be

served to, but to find satisfaction in the delivery.

Despite his desires, people are still prone to touching

themselves, whether alone or surrounded by others.

It fascinates that the cornflake, meant to curb arousal,

is most often eaten shortly after rising. It follows that if

Kellogg really wanted to curb the rampant sexualization

of the self, he would have prescribed the cornflake to be taken

at night. Though, to be fair, I didn’t start masturbating in earnest

outside of the womb until I learned to cook my own eggs.