Charlie on 12th
Charlie, please stop smoking
You can't be older than I
and Portland is very warm today.
I see you sitting on 12th and Couch
Your mother's coinpurse
and a faulty lighter
By your feet.
Charlie, I don't know your name
and your hair is a mess
Are you a boy?
Charlie, why didn't you say a word?
I asked you to stand
so we wouldn't back into you
and you did.
You smiled, flashed your pearly whites
Oh, I did love your teeth
and your expression when I said hello.
Charlie, please stop smoking.
Charlie, please go home.
Peyton on Burnside
Shoes worn through
khakis torn
Hair growing out
Hopping over Starbucks cups
Peyton, I see you.
Peyton, where's your mama?
Peyton, you're thin.
Pale, pink cheeks
Pimples just beginning life
Has to be fourteen
In trouble
In trouble
Peyton, I see you.
