Friday, April 1, 2011

Alaska Series (continued)


Manong Ralph Agbalog
He enters our room. Perfumed and pomade hair.
Sports a cardigan sweater.  Seats himself on my bunk. 
Eyes Linda’s picture.  “You marry?”

In conversation, I learn he’d killed a man
over a gambling debt.  “Punched him in the jaw.
Dropped him on a curb.
Hit his head.  Manslaughter.”

He tries to teach me pai gow which I don’t get. 
“Better, you don’t understand.”

Alaska Series No. 7



Retorts
Steam soars ‘round the catch ‘n can.  
Hot ovens brim with salmon.
Kings, Pinks an’ Sockeye cookin’.
Soon too grace the country’s pans.

Charlie Woods stokes the retorts.
Loves “Bird.” Carried two .38 Police Specials.
I’ll never leave.  I’m wanted
in the lower forty eight.”

Alaska Series No. 8

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