Portland's Runaways

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.