the juxtaposition
of classic rock
and jarring mariachi
that he plays
synchronizes perfectly
with the street performer’s
tuxedo print shirt
and well tailored suit.
A combination
which could only be so perfect
on a street like this
where the sunlight
seems to radiate from
the trees themselves
considering skies so grey.

Filling opera houses is impressive
but making strangers
stop walking, and sit
and smile
Is a special brand of holy.

the room fills slowly
with eyes roaming to and
then slowly back again
while mouths stay shut
and people sit anxiously
trying not to wiggle too
much or to avoid having
to re-cross their legs
and thus re-adjust their
junk in the midst of mixed
company where the conversation
topic will be anything
but comfortable while
all will nonetheless agree
about it’s importance to
their everyday lives and
their thoughts though
the teachers may do a
downright terrible job
and therein lies the rub.

are you here for what
i have to say? or what
the one in charge will teach
you.

there will be a dramatic difference.

for Tara

you are so sunlight
so sunrise
so sun. I
am sometimes the moon
but usually the dreamcatcher
though never the dream.

I will be grasshopper
to your lightning bug.
Listen carefully
even now
hear my heart chirp.