The Shame

For Emily Dickinson

When next you feel the shame

Because you lost the game;

An insult to your name,

Rejected from the same--

Recall that you are you

And others, themselves, too;

So best not misconstrue

Conclusions others drew.

Or those that they will draw

For @*$#!--the fatal flaw

Of interest in the jaw,

Incredulous of awe--

Is when the money comes,

And you still feel like crumbs,

And catch the dreaded numbs

And over-favor thumbs.

For fervor favors few;

And when the justice's due

Is when the judgment comes--

"Do you have change for ones?"

Mis Quince Anos!

  

      Es mis Quince Anos!  Y Los Ositos barrieron Los Sux--Que bueno!  

LA

               I used to live in LA.  And I went there for a visit over the weekend.  And a flood of memories returned.  

               I remember the first time I saw palm trees.  And ate a real burrito.  And saw the ocean.  And the mountains and smog.  

              And the new age flyers.  And the muscle beach boys.  And the cabanas; the year-round outdoors.  And the cults and psychics.  The coyotes and brushes.  

               It's nice to know it's all still there.