Boston, September 16, 2010

“Two shot! One Dies”

 

Taken from the Dorchester street

In a van with lights

Not an ambulance. This night,

Those are full.

An investigation begins

Without expectation of result.

The medical examiner looks

Anyway at these two new boys,

Finds names and files

His report, with the one

About an old man sent from the Cape

Earlier in the day with the wrong name

And old wounds. All three wait.

“This one back to Dot”

“This one south”, he says to his assistant,

Thinking – “Neither story

Holds a tune. Street corner silence,

Veteran blues.”

First light and the flashing van

Pulls out again,

Leaving the driver

Of the hearse still

Having coffee.