How they linger
********************
(for Roy Berkeley)

the old Arturos across Houston Street
white coffee cups of red wine
you always sat facing the door

an old habit you said
from your days as a spy
the gun under your pillow

drawn on me just once when I showed up early

you rescued me a few times in the dark city
turned out to be real
and played songs
that showed me
so many dead musicians

I d swim to the bottom and never come up
tell me how
long do I have to wait

walking near the Hudson with you
camera in hand

sweet memories of your guitar and
voice

bye bye

you were a friend to me

****************************************

it's not so much that the dead talk to me