jj goss
waiting for the change
at the light I wait to move
past red flannel men who stare down
at the hole the ground is frozen
I see your breath
like smoke I’m smoldering
in the ashtray lingering
between your fingers
hidden underneath your
ordinary thoughts
salvation army thoughts I’m hung
on the rack for those who
can’t afford much I’m waiting
for the green arrow
light a candle and leave me offerings
set a place for me at your table
I’m not really dead
until you stop remembering I’m waiting
for the light to change
Window Disturbances
knee socks falling
Kansas grey dreams
and girls
worshipped icons
ponytail goddesses
click click click
they’re coming I whisper three times
all white teeth and the right
shoes whisper
three Hail Marys fast
Boones Farm apple wine
in brown paper bags
inside a red mustang convertible
and no one to see me
pretend to like it I whisper
your body naked
it’s quick window distractions
shaved legs
little yellow pills
and sober mornings
dreams
stay safe color inside the lines
breathy voices
quick
coming quick
before the phone bill
and no one to see me nothing
to see here
sometimes I whisper
still a catch in my breath
and my dreams
grey
Kansas skies
©2002 by jj goss
