I pluck you from
sad gospel pile
by the bathroom.

Priceless vinyl pearl
amidst $2 swine,
moldy jackets, false promises.
Salvation awaits,
a bushel of home-cooked
country lies.

2nd hand
after-life,
last string pearls,
unwanted.

Lovable dingbat
from Grinder’s Switch,
grand ol’ hee haw’s all ‘round.

40 years ago now,
sad strength peeps out
behind your funny mask of
self-putdowns.

Nashville Norma Jean,
nobody knew you a’tall.

Your stare from the past,
brushes by me in the present,
.........-- fluttery brim --

A price tag still hangs
from your plastic hat, unclaimed.

You’ve gone where the
fellers’ line up forever,

Just like one of them parties
where they play
ah’ smoochin’ games.