John McKenna’s most recent poem to appear here was The White Horse (New Amsterdam on Hudson) (December 2012).

The Other Boys of Summer
By John J McKenna

Buk, like Hemingway,
was a big personality
and machismo

one from the LA Bowery

the other,
from wished and wandered Pamplona

one, in ill-fitting baggy boxers, chinos, and expensive madras short-sleeved shirt

the other
an expat nouveau aristocrat
in pressed linen

shaving was optional for one
while grooming essential to the other

yet,
just men

who shared
a little of the angry antsy Huck
they was

a gambler with affection for the equine

a big-game hunter and fisherman

a six-pack of tall boys and a bottle of red

a cape buffalo and a bottle of absinthe

both knew violence
both pugilists

one of the alley
the other of occasion

one a brawler,
whether barroom or bedroom

the other, of proper prose
and pro

both got their asses kicked
a lot

both knew words
masters of their mark

tough with tools and talent
a life’s topography to match
their metal

both liked the Bettys
(and, maybe, Papa too liked Bobby as well)

It was always about Life
It was always about Love

each
work
paragraph
stanza
story
poem
novel

a gift to each of us

each,
a love letter to themselves

the very best
a writer can do