#1
(I Am An American)
The June cement shouldered the sky.
I am an American. A.
The fireworks come in July.
Wooden spoons and lemon sorbet.
I am an American. M.
The sun won’t blind you on flag day.
Our voices beat the chainlink fence.
I am an American. E.
Spider egg gum, twenty-five cents.
M101, M103.
I am an American. R.
Take the A/C/E to Chambers Street.
I drew my name with yours, in tar.
I am an American. I.
Barney worked the tap at his mom’s bar.
Some of these kids already survived.
I am an American. C.
The ones I won’t keep, will kiss my eyes.
Summer ends in the Linden trees.
I am an American. A.
We will be one child, laid in the grave.
Wooden spoons and lemon sorbet.
I am an American. N.
The sun won't blind you on flag day.
And horse-drawn will you go your way.
We will be one child, laid in the grave.
I am an American. I.
William, Morgan, Sarah and Jane.
From now to then, only our names.
The June cement shouldered the sky.
I am an American. A.
The pilings called roll at low tide.
Even here, we all smelled like hay.
I am an American. M.
Forget me no more, child’s play.
And horse-drawn will you go your way.
Spider egg gum, twenty-five cents.
I am an American. A.
The sidewalks glint of fools gold, spent.
They come to the city for trouble, don't they?
I am an American. N.
But if we're born to sin, it's heaven's shame.
The sun won't blind you on flag day.
The boys will fight, but still will cry.
I am an American. A.
Some of these kids already survived.
The children give what God will take.
I am an American. M.
We walk behind Ms. Has No face.
Our voices beat the chainlink fence.
I am an American. E.
We fill the auditorium.
Take the A/C/E to Chambers Street.
I am an American. R.
We're hugged by rain and wooden seats.
I drew my name with yours, in tar.
I am an American. I.
Barney worked the tap at his mom’s bar.
The fireworks come in July.
I am an American. C.
The ones I won’t keep, will kiss my eyes.
Summer ends in the Linden trees.
I am an American. A.
M101, M103.
Yellow brick tiles, matte green paint.
I am an American. N.
Hand in hand, our heads of whey.
We will be one child, laid in the grave.