Take a sip from my glass.
Kick back.
Don’t mind the mess.
I’m listening.

So you been a victim?
Some might say.
Psychological operations
underway.

Dressed to the nines
in sheep’s clothes.
Friends of mine
or shadows?

Stay quiet
so I’m told.
Not seen nor heard –
that’s good, boy, good.

Take another sip.
Ready for this?
Trust the process.
Look away.

So you heard the rumors?
Bears repeating:
That’s the tower.
Bird’s eye view.

Fashion matters,
don’t forget.
Have you picked out
your outfit yet?

Stay quiet
so I’m told in hushed tones.
Not seen nor heard –
that’s a good, boy. Good.

And a third?
Start to feel it now?
Not me, got my
tolerance up.

So you don’t like drinkin’
but you do anyway?
You tell yourself, “Everybody’s
got a problem.”

Buttoned up,
shoes shined.
Black tie.
Sure fit in nice.

Stay quiet
so I’m told.
Not seen nor heard –
that’s all the better.
That’s good, boy, good,
boy, good, boy, good.

That’s all the better.

(2/7/2020 – Gregory Street, Madison, Wisconsin)