...we gathered wood for the winter
a thicket so deep in the land.

I've met the ice that's between us
this glass that you made with my hands.

Like radio waves to an altar
An electric church of contraband.

Valet but we've got no cutlass.
I parked myself in her warm lights.
An implanted wedding band.

Summers we ate pot pie lunches
and I'd sign my name on her back.

She'd taste the fuck on most anything
I'd claim I had swollen glands.

The Science was secret in her house
grandfather lay just up the hall.

I could hardly get up from the bathrooom
a place where she swam across the floor.
We'd start on a dryer on tumble
end up behind the bedroom door.

And on the streets
the kids were laughing.
The Ice Cream man
rode round the clock.
A donkey statue that winked at me once
did nothing.

And my friend
Who I left in the street
before going to see her
The one I told
"I'll be right back"
Was struck by a car, waiting for his chance
with the girl I'd just fucked.

Dick in his hands
when they found him.
I I D' the body.
The donkey winked once again.

And my summer came to a close
without my virginity, and without
my best friend.

12/03/2008