The Forfeit

The sign reads “VACANCY”
& it blinks
                              on & off
to remind you
                                                tiny bubble notes
                                                from a long way off
              each bubble contains a word

There are clouds in the mud

              You are wearing a seaweed kimono

The streets belong to another place, another
time, set on fire in the yellow tree as the story goes
& where I used to drag my knuckles through the sand
expecting wisdom to replace the white powder in my blood
any minute now...

This song & dance is dedicated to
José Throwhammer, Jenny Staccato, & Tina Damp

(you know who you are