Alcatraz

i stood helpless to the threat of a heavy lid i’ll never lift

and when the gavel hit the desk metal shut around me, marshalls at my wrist

led me down the longest hall down the darkest throat of the hardest animal

where i just listen to the wind wailing like the wounded over the lincoln highway bridge

down in the valley or in the street don’t let the ad men fool you – you got everything you need!

out in your sheets beside your love recognize the instant – memorize the pose

despite all the hatred i held for you despite all the violence i could do just beyond, there is love

and when i’m alone with only my thoughts and as you might know, i’m alone a lot it’s the love i’m thinking of

out in that city like a dream see the breezes go around you – see the long grasses yield

be out there exiting the bars at the finest hour of morning, nearly lost, but not

be warm and steady in the wind and your soft, imperfect body – do not cover it