2/3/2004

That
the smoking gun
lay
a few feet
from
his outstretched hand
when he
left for dead
regained consciousness
soaked through
from lying
face down
in the rain
on the asphalt street
throughout the night
did not look good
for his innocence
but
he remembered everything
that happened
and
it would not be
his fingerprints
on the gun
he knew
they would find
what
he would tell
the detective
kneeling
next to him
an old friend
who would not
think it likely
he had shot
anybody
possibly
an unwarranted concern
as there was
no body
or blood
at the scene
though
something violent
it seemed
had taken place
requiring an explanation
the man
standing up
was ready to give.