I used to live off Sunset & Formosa
in Hollywood
for a few years
I don’t know
it could’ve been longer
it could’ve been shorter
I don’t keep track
of time too well
down the street was and still is
The 7th Veil Strip Joint
back in the day when you saw
10 to 12 hookers on every corner
doing intimate things with men
without getting intimate
I would walk down to my favorite
neighborhood bar
and always play
“Tell It Like It Is” by Aaron Neville
on the jukebox
I’d have my song lyrics on me
have a few drinks
and start singing them
a capella in anyone’s ear
I had the songs
and the songs had me
I wrote them after a break up
after a nervous breakdown
after all, it was better than
empty sex in an alley way
in the back of anywhere
of course, I made sure I fit some of that in too
I miss the ladies on the corner
it gave this town more depth
more soul without the heart
in this town where fame is
the drug of choice
wondering how to get it
how to score it
how to become
a household name
like Ajax or Swiffer or Rice-a-Roni
this town is like a giant melon baller
that keeps scooping out your guts
to make an ambrosia salad
for the masses to snack on
eat it while its
fresh, it gets old fast
and you have to toss it out
like whores turning tricks
for their pimps
we all have to answer to somebody
somebody’s always calling the shots
but you can’t give it all away
you’ve got to keep your cards
close
and they will fuck you
but just remember
whores don’t kiss
© 2011
I really like this..
Thank you dear one…
that’s some potent wordage, babe. And “tell it like it is”–if I had a dollar for every time I ever heard that on a jukebox in a dark bar back in the day; what a great song. (btw, Mrs. L.K. McKay–you got to admit that has such a nice ring to it–we’re meant for each other, you know, so give it up)
You are funny Paul!
There are no corners you will ever cut Lisa, just the power of memory and words that transports us into your world. You are that jukebox!
Thank you Mitch, you make my day sing!
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I know you know that ….a joke. I loved seeing, and spending time with you my dear friend yesterday. You are an amazing women, who keeps surprising me in so many wonderful ways.
Thank you dear Mathew!
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I love it Lisa.
More than Money more than God Fame
the addiction the real trick.
You hit the nail on the head this time.
Powerful raw energy here
this is your passion for photography in words painting word photos conveying images truth ful sometimes dark but honest.
ow many hopeless alleys a have we all seen on our way to the grave.
Love
Stevie
Thank you Stevie! 🙂
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The character of the neighborhood and the dark side of the soul is captured quite well. The area has never been the same – I guess instead of working the street – they are all working Craiglist. where would the poem get to travel now?
Great point Fred!!
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Love your Sensual gritty sexuality. And how you can bring the right elegant shadows to the light to titillate our senses. Letting me feel your words.
Thanks
Thanks a lot Sam…:)
Thanks for your great poem and photo. There is no seperation between them.
Thank you for your comment Len! Lisa 🙂