Chicago Poem #54

Dear Brother, you ask:
How is the rest of the world?
I can only report on that
which is not in front of me.
These days are all looking behind
at a place it never was.
Even if I returned.
And London is never that way, I imagine:
The only thing left
is that bike we built. You were angry
when I left it in front of the taqueria.
It was stolen and then
Ditched in the river.
It's still submerged
in the waters by the old tannery
which will always stink up my memories
with the smell of tanning hides.

See Clare College Through My Eyes!

The photo of Clare College Bridge on SCHMAP was taken by yours truly:



http://www.schmap.com/england/historic/

Chicago Poem #39

I was so beautiful at nineteen,
I swear.
and so was the city,
when it was nineteen first
and when it was nineteen second.
I was never around for that.
But I am aware of the fact
and the possibility
of being nineteen twice.
To get there? Fire.

Apologies to Housman

Chicago Poem #24

I used to live
in the building
with the most stories.

Chicago Poem #73

Rules on a paper napkin
written down.
These fools of my past
have let me down.

I Do Good Deeds in the name of Liza

Most people will just assume you’re a regular Joe – a God-fearin’, America-lovin’ ex-Marine humbled by the insanity of his youth and the honesty of a steady job. But anything will make them nervous, be it a little bit of an accent to your speaking, a dreaminess to the tone of your voice or a funny stride. They’d just as soon throw you in a nice little category then try and figure what might be eating at you, what keeps you from blowing your brains out, you’re so depressed.
But I do have one sweet thought that keeps me hanging in there. I think about her about half the time I’m driving this tow truck around. I got two hands on the wheel and the third one scratching my ass when I pull up on this lady and her flashing hazards. That’s right. Three hands. And I don’t care if I’m a mutated freak or a normal hand-over-fist working man, I’m here to help with only the best of intentions. I do good works in the name of Liza.