Elysian Fields
We lived
literally
on Elysian Fields
in New Orleans
so fortunate were we
live oak spreading its branches
across the double balcony 
where we plighted our troth
and lived
over the boulevard
in the shadow of the
adult theatre’s arcade
“Slip of the Tongue”
and “Hot Buns”
double feature

Biological Determinism

30 when I left one life

for another

some said biology was ticking my clock 

and my clock laughed

together we, the clock and I, 

regarded, not for the first time, 

how little is known of such matters

and how imperatives and determinism

faulty are