Ode to Staying

Ricky always had that midas

mouth. On speed, that man could

auction off heaven and God’s

big rolly chair. On dope,

he’d croon tunes. Made me cry once.

Helped Jen and me see that

loneliness meant we actually

did love each other. Tied the knot

that June.

Gold was his forte. Adorned his sunny fingers

and helped him scoop cocaine out of baggies.

Gold never served him, though. Ricky kept losing

things. His dad brought him to the fair once.

Ricky lost him. His momma grew up with strong

women and cool cigarettes. Lost her. Mavis flew to

Florida, no one had seen her since.

Ricky looks good in white. He put up

a fight when the time came to realize

some habits keep callin come when

shit gets silent. Old thoughts can be

the loudest song you’ll hear till you’ve

become the words. I hope that melody

leaves him. Learns to love the roots

of stayin.