Divine University

I wrote this when Billy visited me in RVA six months ago, but has since been locked away in a notebook on my shelf. Just found it; thought I would share. Richmond walkabouts are a lot of fun when you've got a good friend with you...

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Hidden alley arrow marquees

Light kindergarten paintings,

And old men tell of divine universities;

Their skulls growing tall

like sidewalk flowers.

And all the midnight bugs

Are doing drugs,

Getting stoned from streetlamps high above.

They dance with each other

'Til they die.

And I know their names

And they know mine.

And one asked me once

If I knew the time...

My brother holds an injured eye

Under naked motel light,

A likely soul for the capital fire,

And dry as false hopes

Seeking short-minute kin

In early alley mornings,

And cold unforgiving.

I wish I had an answer.

There are few kings, and they are not you.

And when they turn their backs,

You turn yours too.

It's such an easy fix, it flows

Like pipe between the bricks.

I was looking for you the moment I met you.

It's time for you to come home.