"Cooling Board Blues" by Scott Hightower

Like a phonograph's needle

skipping across vinyl grooves,

my concentration samples:

Some birds look very regal

in death. Under the sheet,

a ride on the glazing belt can be lonely.

This is finality. Our farewell

moment. Good night,

Sweet Prince, my only

never dismalfriend.

You have made it

through. [needle skip]

Being alone already feels

almost unbearable. A friend

says, "But that is love...."

(I am not so sure

that I need

me, but I still need you).



Scott Hightower, born in Texas, lives and teaches in Manhattan.