my
shames,
hidden desires,
drafts-of poems burned
to ashes, tho kept, in case of
a premature ejXXX, an early
messianic resurrection

a father's watch. cufflinks,
a tie clip, just in case I ever
again have need to
wear a Burgundy red tie,
a draft card so old, its only
purpose is to make them laugh
when they card me in Las Vegas
though my whitened pupils and
and decrepit walking cane, are
good indications,
i'm right up there with Methuselah.                                               nml

                                                                                                            10-3-25