Half Way To Memphis

Wasted broke in Kankakee,

  down from Montreal

I’m half way to Memphis,

  with no one left to call

 

Guitar strings bust or missing,

  motel clerk at my door

I’m half way to Memphis,

  bathroom window as before

 

The years have run their distance,

  all memories in default

I’m half way to Memphis,

  the songs all packed in salt

 

And one last time I’m leaving,

  the highway cold and black

I’m half way to Memphis

   —no way of turning back

 

(Memphis Tennessee: September, 1991)

First Light To Keep

The first cut sharp and burning red,

  don’t edit away its fire

 

Keep the wound both fresh and raw,

  never cauterize your ire

 

The horizon breaks just once each day,

  a new dawn—cold hearts aspire

 

Rays burning deep, first light to keep

   —old ashes to inspire

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2016)