To Leon

Because you went back
for the stray dog
abandoned and full of fleas
but not for me -

For I have two thumbs
that reach all parts of my spine
and can apply my own damn medicine
to rid myself of these pests -

I sing verses of you.

Because you left flowers
in every bed we seamed in
I am a bouquet of you

Because you took me in your mouth
when all those little rocks
stuck to your palm
as we lay naked
in the crook of the stream
I bathe in your Sundays

Because you never much cared
that I lived on pallets
and had to hustle poolhalls
to afford our drinks
I am a rack of you

Because our dates were drives
lined with redwoods
forests of folklore and folly
I frolic in you

Because we had nothing
Because we had everything
I love you.