At summer’s end in 1974, her flower was still
Budding. Uncle Willy
Clad in a black top hat, cape, and pin-striped jeans
Dealt equal parts of his unique charm and stiff drinks at The Well
Everything about this town spelled
Fun. Drink up while listening to the rock tunes of
Great bands floating
High above the railroad trestle, urging boys like Rider to walk across on a dare.
In this iconic cement town, Tommy collected
Junk for coins with shopkeeper Dirty John who
Knew everyone. John and Sue had room for Tommy and his motorcycle. And Tommy soon
Left his
Mark on them by
Never taking no for an answer. His words
Obfuscating
Pretty girls like Connie
Qualifying himself as her one and only. Tommy stamped her the
Rose in Rosendale, then
Snatched her away.
Tommy, the elder
Understood the need for gloves but misjudged his
Vane nurture. Trying to
Wield his sharp tongue and
Xerox
Yesteryear’s
Zealous pink into her nature.
Corney Press 