Scenes from Joy

by m. speaker

I.

The man at the door

guards his keep with grace

Of a swan, long-limbed

and wingspan sweeping

Sweeping, cigarette

butts and bodies kept

Against the brick, we

pass, pressing them flush

Flush, the red of you,

arms and shield strapped

Impressive enough

to become Someone

Someone has to stand

on these streets and stoops

And someone has to

pass through, vanguard both

II.

Now well met and made,

new friends stand their posts

Outside, she says good

bye and hello, see you

You, wander and stay

for this song and next

Maybe another

we’ll just walk up back

Back near the long line

everything overheard

His checkered vest and

platinum crown shine

Shine—might be the word

lyrics escape me

In the din of drink

and schemes for you all

III.

Tomorrow, tell me,

still smoking and lit,

Of your first time here

reminding you of me

Me? my train’s at four,

like the number of

Us and just how many

times I’ve practiced this

This, a she and he,

more familiar,

This, by a new door

with the vanguard change