Sweet boy, it’s time for you to
Smile! You’re on Camera!
Bare your teeth for a while
and turn the corner.
On Turk and Hyde,
you were only seventeen,
ruining your life with that drink called daydream.
But how could you have known?
People walking past you
like they have somewhere to go.
You wished you’d become
just like them too,
So you started wearing suit jackets
I thought looked big on you.
Silly boy, it’s time you learned to
Kiss! This is No Thru Street!
Turn back and retrace this, you’re addled
from the heat.
You were twenty-three when you made your conclusions;
You learned heartbreak wounds
but nothing kills like delusion.
Do you think you could have known?
People walking past you
arm in arm, looking all aglow.
You will be loved
just like them soon.
I know since I still remember
us, underneath the moon.
Loverboy, now it’s time to
Fuck! No Parking Anytime!
I think you dropped your luck, but I know
you’ll still be fine.
You’re old enough now, drive off
the path behind the lake,
Join the moose with their heads bent low
while sleepy herons wake.
I think you should have known,
People walking past you,
you wonder why they move
so slow.
Time slips through streets
just like a curse.
I’m begging you,
sweet boy,
take it
before it takes you
first.
first.
The first boy I watched grow up.