Reckoning

 He must have made it past algebra

the indecent parables 

he submitted as proofs in geometry
entertained mr. adrenochrome
enough to earn him a C

how he ended up nestled in the crotch
of the best tree
among many that lined the canal.
a fat cat,
you know, an industrialist
with an elaborate lunch set
on sturdy limbs
overlooking
common phrases
disguised as
grafitti:

Jackie Allison talks to the Cable Company!
Dave divides his time between London and Paris!
You’ve got a beautiful family!

Could it be the math got him here?
he marvels at that

and a crumb
plucked from the folds of his 

calico dress