Ode to Arlen Levy

by Zola Hjelm

Remember when we swam across the bay

& when we got to the other side

I dumped back in

like a shark spotting trout under ripples

& we walked barefoot

naked & drying

into the burning urban sun

we stepped the asphalt & granite rocks

paved culture & sun shining

eyes of gold

digging to the top of our peak years

Remember how we trudged

the Third St. roads

blinded by night
but all the more

Happy

& smiling I remember all the stupid shit we pulled

& all the traits we

trade

saving our pennies for luck

then throwing them behind backs

for the Next to pick up on

blurred

but never forgotten

Haze of relentless camped out

Sweet days

& Reckless nights