POEM: “Guard Gods” — The books are done / The stories all concluded. / The magic that drove it / Parked, and deluded.

Guard Gods

When your gods are dead
And your guards are down
It’s a sign my dear
You’re done with this town.

And all the men
Once all in your bed
Once all so numbered
Have all fled.

Magic abounded in nights on end
Potential released in a glass of red.
Bottle uncapped as you went in.
They knew your name, friend.

But the vibe is done
And so is this town.
Reverberations, sensations
Have all gone.

And then you played his song.
And that smile came on.
Rough tracks from London town:
A friendship, preservation.

But my gods are dead
And my guards are done.
Muse 1 and his salvation
Muse 2’s protection, gone.

And you saw him in the car
With his aviators and big hair
Shit he looked like Kurt Vile
And your smile reappeared.

O! Ottawa! And all the men!
How fair you in sexless marriage?
Do you yearn for post-gig fare
Started with a smoke and stare?

The books are done
The stories all concluded.
The magic that drove it
Parked, and deluded.

Sylvie Hill, August 2018