"Where is the butterfly?"
The heavy, bold, black man
throws off his hat
shaking and panting

I stare in disgust
at a sweat line traveling
the hardened vein on his skull
"You've got to shed some weight!"

Everything's alright, I say
in my most reassuring tone.
Then I let go of her hand
and look out the window
of the 24 hour diner

A deserted street,
an empty parking lot,
rows of gas pumps,
and a red neon sign,
Miller Lite

She shakes her head
says in the slightest voice
Happiness is a solitude, a mountain top
once you reach there
nowhere to go, but to descend

My thoughts are running wild
but they cannot go anywhere
because those fishermen have spread their nets
all over my mind
catching them
roasting them on fire
and curing them in salt
for their long winters
and it's too late when they discover
they are feasting on poisonous thoughts

We had a date,
not long ago
Remember?

But in those last minutes,
I couldn't bear your shadow
growing over the valley

And I spoke

Oh, father
where were you?
when I
with a broken back
and tearful eyes
crawled in shame

The boys were laughing

Everyone knows
signs change direction
when you talk about 'em

So, baby,
no talk for me,
anymore