(in memory of David Berman) 

I am too much with myself,

I want to be someone else.

Where is my mind? Going up

the street like a leaf, high above

the busy little one-way, in my stupid

hat and gloves I lie awake,

wonder if I’ll sleep

like a poker in someone’s fireplace.

I feel stupid & contagious, out

till 3 a.m., pillaging the drinks

of friends. When you have no one,

no one can hurt you. Language keeps me

locked and repeating. Never tell them

where it hurts. Keep the bullet

safe inside. Someday the stone

will roll away, & soon you’ll see

that year, something I never knew

I had. Staple my lips shut, pour the milk

& I’ll say when. I want to go

back, but I’m halfway to the place

that we will meet. America

is just a word but I use it.

In the morning light, I’ll hold

that ashtray tight, waiting for

something to break. Here comes

a smile on her face. I’ve never been

too good with names.

Let forever be delayed.

A cento with lyrics from Richard Buckner, Buffalo Tom, Fugazi, Husker Du, Lemonheads, Minutemen, Miracle Legion, Nirvana, Palace Brothers, Pavement, Pixies, Replacements, Silver Jews, Spinanes, Superchunk, and Uncle Tupelo.