night in the town
John Brown built
with his blood,
on his blood,
prophesy of a land
cleansed by blood,
still in waiting;
baptized in many
campfires,
St. Peter's church leans
over cliffside, faced north,
hand carved steps lead
out of town;
across O old potomac,
where blood orange
moon rises over distant
hills,
a night hike under
Mennen's Borated Talcum
Toilet Powder sign; faded;
carved around 1903,
in the dark there are no white markers,
think back and retrace your steps;
or continue on empty roads, railroad tracks,
the C & O canal towpath,
up heavy grades,
switch backs in the dark,
head lamps beaming,
no short cuts,
wet mud, glowing eyes,
flutter of insect wings
to the underpass US-340;
four miles to Weverton Cliffs.
AT Poems I
