Quill #15 - Distance (1994)

His black, suede hat sits on the table across from me.

.....Brown leather
.....Band, silver concho, matching
Black coat rests upon the dusty rose seat.
...............His son wears the same size shoes.
A stack of silver coins leans like a tower unable to fall
Away from his steaming styrofoam cup;

Ninety cents doesn't buy anything here,
.............................................But I have money.
He drew a red cupid's heart on the cup
.............................................Before leaving it in my care.
..............................His daughter colors
.............................................Beside me in our
..............................Booth, too small to roll
.....Black balls down a
.....Brown groove.
.............................................I add our initials to the heart
While he's gone.
..............................She keeps asking for the money;
..............................Chocolate streaks around her mouth,
Climbing on the coats to see her daddy better, and

...............Clapping tiny hands when her brother waves.
Like thunder, you learn to ignore the noise, the
Rhythmic thump, deep rumble and clap,
Echoing thump, rumble, clap,
Echoing...
..............................A cow charm fades on her denim purse,
In a bowling alley,
In tornado alley.
.............................................There's no place like home.