if donny had a song

in the clothes of a hundred men
stalked by the thin ghost of his brother
donny collects aluminum cans in this disfranchised city
through summer痴 blistering and winter howls

like some hiking crucifixion
he bears a metal rod across his shoulders
his arms looped over the ends
speared plastic grocery bags dangle
pregnant with empties

today in october sunshine
he値l stop to page through a worn newspaper
left on a public bench
then pause to stroke his beard
before gathering the day痴 take
and trekking onward to supermarket for redemption
he値l take home toothpaste or soap
perhaps day-old rolls and bruised bananas
a detour to the dollar store might score a pair of gloves

tonight he値l adjust the bent wire clothes hanger just so
to lure in the yankee game
on an old 13-inch
and like always
will fall asleep on mama痴 old couch
in the basement of her house

no drugs no alcohol no dining out
his dreams limited to the sound of traffic and radio
on sunday he値l accept a home-made meal

in the morning an old flea market coffee maker
still brews a bitter but hot cup
he値l fork his canned beans or slice up an unsalable peach
from a bag mr. stockard left out at night behind the supermarket
for the have-nots

from his meticulous daily logs
donny determines where opportunity waits
you値l spot him rummaging through city garbage bins
and in the aftermath of festivals   picnics   parades
and on trash day when alleys impart dignity
one nickel at a time

from my chapbook, PAGAN SUPPER - Pudding House Publications.
• review by michael basinski •

Slipstream reviews with
michael baskinski:

• Number 20. 2000
• Number 21. 2001
• Number 22. 2002

Slipstream Press announces the winner of the 15th Annual Poetry Chapbook Competition with the release of WHAT LANGUAGE by J.P. Dancing Bear. The chap is filled with rich, honest, and well-crafted poems lifted from life experience which offer the reader fresh insights and lingering images. (40 pages; $7.00 from Slipstream, Box 2071, Niagara Falls NY 14301). Visit Slipstream Press for further information and details.

ALSO: Slipstream #22 is now available from the same address for $7.00. It features the poetry, fiction, and photography by 50 writers, poets, and artists including Liza Porter, Gerald Locklin, Lyn Lifshin, Robert Cooperman, Vincent Tortora, David Hernandez, Dan Sicoli, Catfish McDaris, Donna Michele Hill, Livio Farallo, David Chorlton, Norman J. Olsen, Serena Fusek, Dory Adams, Johnny Cordova, Sarah Freligh, and Martin Vest.