How Many Secrets Can You Keep?
By Justin Karcher
Old Hollywood
is alive and well
even in a place like Buffalo
where there doesn’t appear
to be any glitz or glamour
but there is, we just don’t want to
admit it, because there’s beauty
in the secrets we try to keep
but can’t, a sizzle
in the way they sing
when they’re not crying
in a vault
how they squeeze out
like extroverted ghosts
when we’ve had too much to drink
or when we want to rock the boat
because the lakes and rivers here
don’t shake us hard enough
because we want a change of scenery
but not necessarily a new city
we want what we know
but something closer to the truth
something that shines
like how we do on the inside
we have no say in the matter
whether gossip or gospel
secrets putting on evening gowns
or perfect three piece suits
and carrying the weight of an indifferent world
on their surprisingly strong backs
they float around the Theater District
looking for a stage to call home
for an audience that will roll out the red carpet
even if it’s a dirty one, even if it looks like the tongue
of a hungry monster
who wants to eat your self-importance
nevertheless, let’s celebrate who we truly are
because our secrets are determined to find the way out
by any means necessary
other tongues to socialize on
a glamorous party
where we’re all drinking expensive wine
from drag queen high heels
it’s like we’re drinking the blood of Christ
because the only way to save yourself
is to never lose yourself in a city
that talks behind your back the moment
you step outside to have a cigarette
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