Angry Man & Weaver

Together

I saw you together standing for a photograph my eyes scanned the image and my tongue remembered  the taste of your mouth the thrill of your teeth against my tongue

my mind opened at the remembrance

The Bus

  Brought me back up North

After swirling the drain in Phoenix

I got desperate and gave away my life

Threw everything away

Got on that bus

You came with me

And for a while we were living in a motel room

The money came in and left far too quick

That bill tho

Racking up every night

Hungry and knowing it would get cold

The money ran out

And the Red Roof Inn changed managers

And I came back here

Because I was desperate

Afraid of swirling the drain

I sit now in my daughters small apartment

Just above main street

Afraid of this town, the world, the choices

And you came with me

Got on that bus

And for a little while we were ok

And then we were not ok

Nothing matched up, the time frames, the planning

Couldn’t get it to jive –

And I came back here

To this small town that two weeks earlier had left me unsettled – nervous – a new angst set in

And the money ran out

And I felt hunger again – and took more of my pills so I wouldn’t feel it

Because I was desperate

Afraid of swirling the drain -

    First and foremost my undying gratitude to Captain Lance Sweard, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Sea Captains Commission for offering me a rare glimpse into their world, the wealth of reflections of life at sea, their tireless work with and on behalf of the Tug Boat Sailors Union and for countless hours spent guiding me through the archives at the hall.

     Mary and Scott Biller CEO and Executive Director Walter Engineered Manufacturing Integration for generously accepting my constant questions, for offering insights, sapience, and clear examples. The year I spent with you provided me valuable time and space to develop this piece.

     A tremendous amount of this would not be possible without mentioning  First Encounter Assault Recon, and the brave men and women who serve every day - for the technical assistance, set up and break down of weaponry and Judo/ Krav Maga sessions at every step while writing this; I am in your debt.

     Working out of the Home for Advanced British Confections Union in the picturesque town of Ovid, I cannot begin to thank you for all of the wit and wisdom and laughter!

     Finally, to my spectacular and very patient horse Melody - this was written with you in mind.