#cuerta

Madam La Cuerta, the saint, shrouded Broadway And in awe before towers, Gripped my palm, “Young man, You should already be dead.”

           And I paid in full, but failed to pass on.

Sifu, Liu Rongxi, cradled beard, cupped pipe, And atop the mountain named “song,” Coaxed birdie and cards, “Young man, You should already be dead.”

           And I paid in full, but failed to pass on.

So summoned within circles – Wrought glass, his (was my) shadow, The yesterdays and tomorrows she’d promised, “We bring life, When we’re already dead.”

           And I remained, but failed to pass on.