Waiting for the release
of the fish dream
as my shoelaces are tied
to the 11 MPH limo bumper
in a victory parade
celebrating Empire
trying to push my chin
up from concrete
with handcuffed wrists
silver sparking on the Avenue
when my front top teeth
dig into asphalt
plowing in a smash mouth
continual bobbing
harvesting a burning black
lumpy gravy tasting of bile
bilge water and tin fire
suddenly just under the assault
of the shrill fife piping
the power pounding of bass drum
marching amerikan death muzak
a woman’s voice is purring
seems from convertible backseat limo
but her cool breath is in my ear
STAY DOWN purr STAY DOWN
the pure wire cutter power of her words
as I dart off in rushing gin clear waters
rising up to take an iridescent fly
rock candy manna on my tongue.
