Tony Gloeggler

Fowler Street

Danny Drolet
told me.
“I caught my big
brother in the garage
looking at a book
filled with dirty
pictures. He blew
two smoke rings, pointed
his cigarette between
this girl’s legs,” said
“That’s where you stick
your dick.” I didn’t
believe him.

We were standing
on the corner
throwing snowballs
at cars crawling
along Fowler street.
I threw one
through an open
bus window, hit
the driver and knocked
his glasses off.
When he slowed
to a stop, we hopped
a backyard fence, tore
ass down the alley.
Out of breath
he crossed his heart
swore it was true.

I didn’t say
a word, thought
I’d be late for supper
and ran all the way.
I sat down, bowed
my head and said
grace, watched Mom
pass serving dishes, Dad
spoon goulash, Julie
chew egg noodles
with her mouth
open, and I knew
it was true.

 

Tony Gloeggler is a native of NYC and manages group homes for the developmentally disabled in Brooklyn. His books include two full length collections ONE WISH LEFT (Pavement Saw Press, 2000) which went into a second edition and THE LAST LIE (NYQ Books 2010). UNTIL THE LAST LIGHT LEAVES is forthcoming from NYQ Books.