Running like hell
for an eggroll
only us
in the Chinese place
of white table cloths
and crystal ashtrays
thoroughly quiet
although we sat
under the el
and a dark train
was sure to come by
to present us
with a collage of noise
Had I then listened
deep inside myself
the violent sounds
of that train
might have projected
this refrain:
Hey boys imagine yourself at 50
Hey boys imagine yourself at 50
Hey boys imagine yourself at 50
Yet we boys
heard only
matter scraping matter
and could think only
of rerunning before the school bell
and now wed have to run like hell
and all for the symbol of an eggroll
sumptuously consumer not in America
but in China
and served with dignity.