Remnants of sin litter the streets
as Ash Wednesday rises to break the back
of Fat Tuesday.

The cell door has banged to,
closing on the shepherd. The wolves
will have their day.

A violin weeps into the dawn,
and is joined by an angel’s voice that floats
from the throat of a child.

Gibo does not see the girl
as he draws bow across cat gut stretched
from neck to bridge.

Angel child does not see
the Gypsy as she sends out her song.
Perfume for the sin soaked air of Decatur Street.

Each knows the other is there.
Each knows that each makes
the other beautiful.

While the shepherd is gone, the sheep
will become the shepherd. The weak
will throw stones.

Gibo has learned to slip
the lead pipe up his sleeve.
Piaf has bought a straight razor.

Ali the Arab will keep a pool cue behind
the counter. Greg the Schmeg will use
that damn pistol if he has to.

Each and Each and Each will make
the others strong, just as Gibo and the Angel
make each other beautiful.

NOTE TO READER. Read Nalgahide poems for backstory.