Shallow
Eric Bonholtzer
It was emptied in the back of a yard
In a bad section of town it proved to be many things
To many people: A pool memory. A late night spot for drinking
in the night sky, it became a gathering, a subtle depression
Vines crack, climbing ropes for precarious children.
A coming of age transition in a sink of porcelain
frayed and chipped away by time.
Children mind your step.
What they told you about the first one is true
Heed your manners so the sacredness is kept.
Drain away discarded leaves. From above they look like dots, tired stars.
He sees through her as they reach the pool, chlorine signs
of emotions that could have passed between them together
along a road, among other things and other people
Journeys hitching along for the ride.
But he sees only, and figures what could come his way and
To pass, if he could play his cards right among other things
All the time her knowing he had an ace in his pocket.
Night falls walking home from the undesirable huddle
Rags that gather to form a garment, as they weave,
Among the displaced lost souls of the night who
Delve into the pool searching for their memories.
