north boy

October 22, 1966  (I was 21)

         north boy

Remote was the lake

and forest of pine.

A dull boy in the dust

from an open pit mine

knew Bohunks and Finns

and Dago Red wine.

It was little of books

that he knew but he’d take

three-two beer with his friends

beneath the trees to the lake

where they’d drink and discuss

the great lives that they’d make.

Education’s slow breath

engendered reserve

a dislike for his life

of un-sophisticate verve.

And he has yet to discern

the use it served.