Subtitles, Shartlesville

We moved a lot in those days. I’d walk the streets pretending to be a deaf-mute. But no one ever tested for me, except a kid behind a bodega counter who asked me if I was stupid.

The first time after we did it, she leaned back and said, “I could’ve used a little more teeth with that.”

Another thing she’d do: ask me, “Do you mean that subjectively or objectively?”

Who gives a shit. It’s what I know to be true.

“If lonely, read Lonely People Magazine, 10 cents, PP Box 178, New Haven, CT”

“Mr. Lonely Man, Join the Chicago Friendship Club for results. Hundreds of ladies belong. If sincere, enclose stamped envelope, 3928 Broadway, Chicago IL”

“100 Ways of Kissing Girls, Illustrated, 30 cents, American Sales Co. Springfield, IL

A little advice from me to you: Don't be afraid of beauty but stay away from nostalgia and you'll be good.

Maybe I’m not the thickest book on the shelf. But in my defense I was never above anything. I was always right there.

Walking to Meet Abe and Mark for Lunch in Hell's Kitchen

For years I’ve stood sentry

My profile by night

Brute threat and as false:

Perhaps you find it odd that a statue

Should speak to you now

As a dog. It’s new

For me too:

Clock of pumps

Loosie shuffler

Spilled oranges, newspaper sop

Little girl who named me:

Nicked and debauched

As I am

Dumb as a 2-liter bottle of RC Cola

None the wiser, no

None so careless

as the protected

as the loved

Subtitles, Sept

I'll take that lamp that lights a room like the sun scallops the sea

I'll take those jewels, eyes swallowing the narrow face of no one's house cat

I'll smoke the dope that makes me tremble w/o sauce

I"ll buy the political theory that evaporates from inside a board game hourglass

Forget about my type. Kick his ass

I'll take the blanket textured like sand caught in the heat of your neck

I’ll take the night, capsize it to cover you

I’ll take that lamp that cools a room like the moon wingtips the sea

I'll give you double for that wabi sabi undergarment/Monday afternoon

One day you'll give me that long Satyricon stare which is why I practice writing dialogue