i have heard a blue note
compared to no other,
buried inside,
agonizing,
halting,
insulated and invisible.
when the moment arrived
cats were eating fire on the back porch
(where nothing could burn),
yet believing in no mistakes
i wasn’t paying attention,
quit counting smoke rings
after catching that quick left hook
from out of nowhere.
when this day began
no survivors were left from yesterday
life was that simple,
hospitals overflowed with bodies
while the residue sat home
chainsmoking and waiting.
never so many souls
suffering so badly,
forcing their eyes shut
as if beckoning death,
never to look away this last time.
we get one chance at discovery
and once we discover:
it’s over!
in a heartbeat!
1973
St. Louis