1

Yes I know you from the
Shadows of Mekambo
And the small smell of
Palm oil rubbed into the masks

Yet my khush balm leaves you
Copper mouthed, tumult of
Sensations, Thunder Side of the Camp

2

Cleaning out the fountain
In the courtyard of that place
We had on Rue Royale

Water lilies and papyrus had
Over took it and I tore the roots apart
Lifting out the magnolia petals that
Fell in summer, dipping in the still water

Where your bone wishes had coiled
And cleaved to it’s coolness in the humidity

While every one in the Quarter slept
Behind the filigree wrought iron, like the
Dead, in the oldest of the Parishes

3

Top Hat called from Blood River
Rounding up the animals and galvanize

But there was too much vagrancy
In your promises and dreams
And you failed to be the great
Voyant, sad solider, broken
Cart

Yet,
Not everyone knew how the Great
Bamboo cut like razor blades
No on can take that from you
In this way you were somehow
Pardoned

4

Down the street with chicory
And binets, your laughter lagged
With Tucker and Brossard
When my slightest glance
Unfrocked you

O, how you longed for the
Cicada and Dutch Wax
And knew secretly why the
Blacksmiths are so special