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Jan/Feb 2004 Poetry

Humphrey

by John G. Hall


 

Humphrey

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't punch he clipped
he didn't smoke he sucked cupped lips.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't kiss he pushed
he didn't laugh he cracked open shut.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't shake he shook
he didn't cry he sobbed a silent flood.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't drink he drained
he didn't burn he flamed a forest up.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't die he choked
he didn't fall he softly curtain called.

Humphrey doesn't do it Bogie does
he didn't like he loved,
he didn't fade he played America's soul
a whistling bomb forever falling in love.

 

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