vampire like constant sorrow
feeding on the lonely
snatching what’s left of boyhood
like going back to baghdad
at a fork in the path
trying to come on strong
awkwardly brilliant
these dirty damn humans
hotter than hell
damaged goods, rude
can’t hide from your experience
like attending a fly’s funeral
in a hyde park riot
no more romantic figures
takes one to a dark place
in the womb of the state
you come out fighting
but you can’t come back
flashbacks won’t let you

Dan Jacoby was born in 1947 in Chicago. He is a member of the American Academy of Poets.