Halfway House on St. Elmo Ave

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HALFWAY HOUSE ON ST. ELMO AVE


Observe that the halfway house is—as are

its many inhabitants—in various stages 

of disrepair. Impossible to dodge 

the smell, the sagging roof. Aloof, 


I needn’t tell you that 

as with any halfway house

its mere existence ought to rouse 

within the neighborhood at least 

a half-hearted effort at amelioration, part 

lamentation part philanthropic endeavor. 


Whatever. Look at our bodies, the earth: 

when have we ever altered course

on behalf of the passing-places?

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