stooped, low
by a consciousness
not yet quite right
these vivid dreams
so real, so intense
shadow me in sleep…
the invitation stood
and you accepted
just come here
to listen to the words
of others
read out loud…
we need to give those invited
this word gift
so much to hear from so many!
on an overlook, outside deck
of paved stones
you pondered the view
as you followed me down
a path…
too many have shown up here
accepting the invite
and now, there are too many
and i’m left, unprepared, i told you
i’m worried about the absence
of food and drink to sustain those
in attendance…
but here, look at this view, old poet!
i walked you to
the crest above sausalito
where the City shines
over your shoulder
leaving any visionary
breathless
and sold
and you, astounded by the view
mentioned how you always wondered
what leaving LA might have brought you
but your fear of viruses
kept you chained there in the south
til death instead…
i reminded myself to give you the
short course in transmission
and as we walked back
you made me promise
that i would read your work
so you wouldn’t have to