DOO-WOP OF THE SHOPPING MALL
harmonized singing of nonsense syllables, with a rhythm-and-blues melody on top, popularized by street singers in the 1950s
The plastic trash barrel melts in shame at its inability to sustain heat, sustain
the fire, warm the hands. Young hearts in stylish fashions model their roles
as silent stand-ins for the syllables
that once rose echoing in unison above cement streets.
Keep the one cigarette. Or toss it on the sidewalk and stomp it out, leave it there
as evidence, as a seed. Listen closely and you will not hear a single note of the sweet nonsense.
Ah, nonsense. Sweet, sweet nonsense.