i worry for your bones
though they were never going to be buried on the chapel grounds
sinner man
who danced in the streets with heathen
a passion for percussion
have you been excommunicated
are you somewhere
in a ralph lauren straight jacket
did the religious right
side of your family
do a brother wrong
did it involve a prayer
or a laying on of hands
are you a pampered guest
all tied up for the day
at the electroshock spa
my hope is that you’ve stolen away
to idaho
or some other rebellious nowhere
singing along to your records
with no thought of anyone listening
to you burning your skin
while typing a methodical manifesto
one day a mahoning reservoir post card will arrive
authored in your unmistakable handwriting
i will know to read it in your voice
the sentiment will simply say
i was martyred in murder city
wish you were here
rock on