(c) Rob Goldstein 1984-2018
revised June 13, 2018
from James Writes
I ain’t ever speak in tongues, but I know the Holy Spirit’s out there.
I ain’t ever seen the light, but I’m sure there’s a place up there I’m not allowed into.
I ain’t ever see eye-to-eye with God, but I’m pretty sure He’s laughing at my naivety.
I ain’t ever seen the Devil, but I’m sure he’s constantly seeing me.
I ain’t ever seen fire and brimstone, but I’m sure it’ll be the first thing I see when my eyes finally don’t open.
I ain’t ever really gotten along with my family, but I know they’re here for me.
I ain’t ever been loved, but I’m sure people will claim they love me.
I ain’t ever really feel comfortable around friends, but I’ll keep pretending like I do.
I ain’t ever really give a fuck about myself, but I’m sure I’ll learn how to.
I ain’t ever miss that…
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He called as he usually did, his voice sexy and deep, not hysterical, which
he can sometimes get when something’s on his mind, something I have to
ferret out, burying my muzzle in the shit of his psyche.
He said we couldn’t have dinner, that he was broke and, ‘some people have
to work,’ implying something about my life.
He said that I was fine, but, ‘a little too much’ and wondered if I wouldn’t
be happier with someone ‘more complex, more my ‘speed.’
And I said no! No! Simplicity is my goal, what can I be? What would you
like me to be?
“Nothing.” he said, and hung up.
(c) Rob Goldstein 1986-2017 All Rights Reserved
He Said, He Said
Excerpt from a poetry reading with Harold Norse, 1986.
from the Feathered Sleep
There are rumors
Spiked by moonshine
Privilege or disgrace
Oppression spells her full name
For the Zweig suicide guest book
A librato place
No-one can follow
Without revealing their intention
Take comfort
From people who do not care
They lacquer their unteathering
In pretty boxes with false bases
As Houdini shone the key beneath the deep
So they perfect stillness in powdered sugar
Salvaging nothing of the wreck
As salt stained and barnacled
Driftwood is recovered by shore
Ebbing with lessening
