My poem, First Kiss, was just published in the Spring/Summer issue of the Mojave River Review. Here is the poem and a link to the issue:

First Kiss

 

Back in the early 60’s 

you didn’t need a crystal ball

to tell the neighborhood 

was going to hell.

Even the children knew—

acquiring a wariness

like some sixth sense for city kids

 

In the summer of ’62,

I sat with her

for as long as the lengthened

evenings allowed,

on the stone steps

that served as a front porch.

My friends and hers

buzzed about us like gnats.

 

We talked about the future.

At twelve, every thought is of tomorrow.

I remember our knees would touch

now and again

like a promise

 

The neighborhood spawned

moving vans and U-Haul trucks.

Those with any money at all

were fleeing to the South Shore—

to brand new split-levels

with three bedrooms

and a bath and a half.

My dad, a master of irony,

would strike a pose 

and intone: 

“To a little bit of heaven

on a quarter acre lot.”

My family stayed.

 

She left in August

just before the start of school.

I’d like to tell you I kissed her goodbye

as the overloaded van

sat idling on the Avenue,

Mozart played Requiem on our baby grand,

and the Brooklyn sky

sported both sun and moon.

But, I suppose, you might not believe me.

 

https://issuu.com/mojaverivermedia/docs/mrr-vol5no1-spring-summer2019_final