Ode to Baltimore (2018)

for Angela, 1997-2018

Baltimore,

 

Do not ever think

that you did not save her,

ceased the fire in her lungs

and all the way down to her toes.

 

Every bench here marks her

progress, from the one on

Charles and every one she passed

on the stroll home

from summer mass.

 

She adored you more

than life itself.

Can you imagine

if she had picked Boston?

 

Please.

 

South Green was our Mecca,

Paca, our midnight

last-night concert hall:

Home At Last!

 

You radiated out her

inner-harboured multiplication

and bought us two

whole years—

How can we ever repay you?

 

She lives on,

lost in me,

found in you.

 

To the city that saved us all,

we extend our sincerest thank you.