No surprise lies at small
town's edge, just back yards
that blend into fields of beans.
I can walk on streets,
not move for cars that stop
to say hello, then step forward
to spread the word
I've been drinking again.
Without breaking a sweat,
I pass enough people
for a high school reunion,
a wedding, and a divorce.
I pass the front door
that baptized me, and
finally the gates
of the cemetery
where one day
I'll stop for good.
But not today.
Today the sun burns warm
on my cheek and I want
to give the edge of town
just one more try.
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