Mixed Company

June 2006

“Mixed Company”
By Scott Murphy & Jeff Ludlum


Lost in the moment, only a blank stare remains.
mine- bewildered, pleased and curious,
lines run deep and long, betraying jumbled years
Others, smooth as tree-ripened fruit, sweet intrigue
The twinkle, spark says it all.
The heat from a pancake grill singes even more curiosity
panting at my feet, warm canine breath.
An anxious lick, your meandering eyes wander into the crowd
An islander's frizzy beard drips with syrup, yesterday's pleasure.
Filter of the earth- roasted chili peppers, cider and sweat wafting into and out of his grizzled thoughts

It ended in shouts, screams unexpected.
Ecstasy- goddamn, fucking, mind-blowing- ecstasy
Her eyes, serene, scan the front page.
But the distractions are almost too much to bear
Bear down, read the line again, can it be, inconceivable.
You call that news! I'll show you news, man!
Unaware the young man is, lost in music and thought.
Lost is a good place to be, like divorce or death
Expected or otherwise, a fresh start is certain, welcome.
Hold on, wait! Reborn at my age? Am I ready?

Or not, it really is the only option.
A fresh peach, fuzzy, firm, bright and sweet my soul
Bite happily, the nectar sticky sweet, drop on my chin.
Runs between my whiskers, her legs, their sordid desires
A wink, reminder that pleasure is a want universal.
Like a thin summer top or teva lines,
A gentle, approving smile, gleaming white or coffee stained,
A smile you feel right down to your pulsating bones
The throb, ache that beckons you return,
To a place of your birth- sticky sweet conception and oozing with hope that this feeling never ends.