Gregory

I

Cleanshaven, cleared away, like a baby
tucked in bed with undressed eyes
a cold drink from a deep well
to see you
first friend in early teenage years
in New York City,
Paris, San Francisco, London
friend snatched back from the bony doorway
jewel at the heart of a room full
of people, rose on the pillow
I'm reading your poems again
twisty pronouncements, singing lines
words that float like birds on the water
how much you've changed the language
& the premise of speech
how without hesitation, all these years
you jumped in first, not
testing the waters
but to see
if the waters were ready for you.

II

Someone said your ashes should be scattered
over Shelley's grave, someone said
you wanted to be buried in Potters Field
because nobody goes to see those folks
Irvyne says you're all together now, the whole crew
you Jack Allen Huncke Neal
Jack Micheline Ray Bremser
You were the one who brought me into that
circle of men
from whom I gathered
what I did
you were the one who gave up your time
who shared your rea