N.C. (1926-68)

The “secret hero” and
muse of the
Beats’
found on railroad tracks
and close to death --
the smell of tar bleeding through the
ties, and
a slow moving river trickling
beneath a rusty trestle
nearby:
his bone-y face planted
in gravel that
smelled of ash and dust …
As the sun began
to set
the Shrouded Stranger, sitting
close by, stared
with vulture-eyes --
death came floundering
down the line
riding the Whap-by Extry Special
ole 169.