the embarcadero

you can step on your fingers
or swallow them whole
the lesson to learn
is you cannot grow old
in time just a trapper
as though sang a soul
if only this moment
to find to be whole.

a toast to the pauper.

he likes wedding tears
and dogs on their side
inviting yr hand to scratch for awhile.
he likes sunsets
and long drags
while the clouds are all ripe.
he likes soft eyes
in dark light
with smiles round the cuffs.
he'll take those good times
and great folks
who feel just as light.
really doesn't have to leave anything behind.

the back of his head talks.

you keep the finger on top of it
act like it's somewhat affectionate
par for the course and always dyslexic
personally with loving amendments

to break down the glass maiden
you strew forth your pillows
all filled with lead and thorns
to prick the surface and keep her hollow

let out the fire to stop the inferno
forget a person lived in here long ago
you should be ashamed and lonely.
you should be ashamed only.