throwing

stones from a third floor 

apartment window

with a 3-d, 

lifesize,

cardboard,

cut-out of john wayne 

to hold my hand and keep me company.

calling cats 

with whistles and bells

but now i'm passed out 

in a double-tree lobby 

with my hands down my pants 

and a flask half full

whisky in my pocket.

and john whispers in my ear,

"everything is still

and will be 

and you will see god

in the reflection of the oak trees 

in lake roosevelt"

and i've got a wooden spoon

engraved in some sort of 

calligraphic writing

that says,

"find your peace among

the lilies of the field 

and find your love 

in the dirt and leaves of the coming spring."

and when my eyes are dried

and opened wide

i'll find a step-stool

to get to your level

because i can't find 

solid ground...