(Previously published in confetti Magazine)
ENDURING AND BEAUTIFUL
I found the last pay phone in Memphis and called Jesus collect
I was out of quarters and dimes don’t work anymore
The voice on the other end
somewhere in ether
said the line is disconnected
Has been for some time
*
There was a chance Mr. Siegel might be home
so I walked to the nearest whore house
across the street from a Catholic church
And I’ll be damned if the Devil’s porch light
wasn’t left on
*
Why can’t all dreams and song and poetry written in blood come true
offer even a flicker of light
like a match from a free matchbook does in our favorite barroom dives
*
The deal is done the gig is up
I’m leaving town on the first rail at the first sign of dawn
Just before sunrise any dream can be fulfilled
William Teets Writer 