Family Tree

Daddy was a merchant.
Sister was an author.
Brother was a combatant.
Mommy didn't bother.

The tracers flew above foxholes
close enough to jar
if fingers closed fast enough
to feel shell casings flutter.


The Sandman's Mascara

The walls met
above the neon electronic dart board.
You were there.
A tendril of smoke leaking.

On second thought.

Your number on my receipt
when I closed my check
with a smiley face and
a flourish.

On second thought.

Leaving the bathroom door open
to sigh on its pneumatics
you turned the faucet on
winking and slipping a blue toothpick between your lips.

On second thought.

Juke box stacked
to the ribs.  Tipped cap and nine quarters spilled
from your pocket.  Glance down,
You left your jacket on the chair back.

On second thought.

Have you seen him?  That's his butt
in that plastic tray there.  That thing in the black tee!
Have you seen him? With the brown eyes!
"No one left or came in the last hour, brother."

On second thought.

Bird baths in public restrooms never go over well.
Was there this guy with eyes like lanterns?  Just here?
Yes, here!  The hell else would I be talking about?
No?  Freckles on the nose and a gray jean jacket?

On second thought.

I could've swore.  Are you sure?
Yes!  Okay, I am going crazy.  Sorry to bother you.
Sit and tent fingertips.  Squint at the televisions above.
Chair pulls away and elbows brush.

On second thought.

Eyes dash
to the floor.
Black on black sneakers.  Again.
Count sheep, count down, count up.  "Come here often?"