" To the Memory "

" To the Memory "

Angry, selfish, vengeful,
I had asked only one small favor,
That I could say "I love you" once more
To you, who liked Southern California

Warmth, your family, the breeze
From the sea tossing the hair
You so despaired of losing.

You bring a sad smile to my face,
You who were trapped in a world
That embraced with unloving arms.

Did justice sleep?
Where was good hiding?
Behind the prophets of our religions?

Hiding from you in the Castro
One rainy Sunday while you
And your trenchcoat huddled,
Not caring about the chill in your bones,
About the wasting away,
And just waited for the ride that always seemed
To be on its way?