street and hum

the crickets are out humming and

burning the question of spring.

drive by noises, cars and the rattle

of the man hole cover; mariachi

porch light, urban renewal.

i'm looking at the crimson undersides

of rose bush leaves, the dead spider

underneath. i think - 'this is los

angeles' and los angeles i will come

to be and come to know. in my red

ink journal and christmas light

pillars, hanging paper butterflies and

wicker chairs, lampposts and shady

neighbors. i'm wearin' a flowery

dress i've worn for three days straight

and hair hittin' my neck flipping out

awkwardly and pinned back bangs.

three bracelets, one exuding pride

and one with my namesake. the

tequila of the evening hurts my

tummy, heals my head, i breathe in

calmly and deeply the night air of

march fifteenth. purse my lips,

crinkle my nose, waiting for those

to come home. stare at the brass '32'

nailed on the apartment door across

the street and hum.

make smacking sounds with tongue

and my teeth and once again, breathe.

believe that one love will bring us

back together again. and maybe in

heaven and maybe now. the dirt

underneath my fingernails. and nothing

worthy of redeeming me except the life

i lead and the wonderful, brave idea of

choice, oh of choice..and the wispy curl

by her eye makes me realize, yes yes.

yes, i do, yes.