letter from upstate
you once fought
over five dollars
beside the train tracks
you carried that scar
on your cheek forever
crescent moon in the
universe of your black skin
a thing on your face
that wouldn't smile
and when he went to stick you
foolish as i was loving you
i got it deep in my shoulder
i missed that season
and was useless for a winter
i tell the new cats about you
those who squat in the clock tower's shadow
but they move on
....no heart
