JOHNMICHAEL SIMON POETRY

There’s a first time

that you take out

of your bag when you’re alone

and in that sort of mood

 

First ice on the lake

first doe, surprised as you

at each other, trying to say something

black nosed, button eyed

 

They disappear to surface

in other places, other times, that song

‘from rags to riches’, a chewing gum

kiss, quick, unbelievable

 

Down in Chestnut road,

it isn’t there anymore

a grocer from Poland

who sold halva made from almonds

 

Eating it bite by wonderful bite

at the swimming gala

shouting your school war cry

through sticky sweet teeth

 

Your first cigarette

behind the garage wall

your first paycheck

 

The first time you saw

the Yellow Submarine

and 2001 when the future seemed

to stretch so far away