Livestock Show

slip on the boots

dad broke in

who may have found peace

before he was laid to rest

when Sadie finally stayed for that second lemonade.

senti-mentally stripped Nashville slick

meaner than I am rich

and I pick
up the tab

for the long line behind me

pickin’ and a’grinnin’

pull a pearl snap sleeve
across an
Orange Crush mustache

bees

steal the

angel’s share in the dust.

can’t tell whether it’s me, mesquite smoke

or bagpipes on Copperhead Road

but my eyes won’t

stay quiet

dad did say

he didn't care

for my confession.

that I can behave

and not believe

who I am

anymore

but the rest of the world

is not obligated to chart

my growth

or note my

overall improvement