(Photo by author.)

POPS

POEM — Dedicated to my dad.

🎵: Serious Drug — Instrumental by Wildcookie

You are crazy, contagious
Taught me your genetics
Infected my heart with life
All without a brain

You showed me music makes life a movie
Meant to be played
Curtains to secret genres opened by lines of tapes
I hope I’m as groovy as you, Dad

There’s a lone wolf who’s never alone
Howls for the hills, but houses kids coziest
Odd family, valley resort for wild pups, pals

Nocturnal animal, how do you go the distance?
What’s in the blood you spill for us?

Smiling your wise teeth like a big dummy
Making the most of moons in dark alleys
Outrunning time and sleep for fun

You’re the boss and a servant!
You trained me a champ

Known in homes, East Los Angeles to at least Memphis
Legend of the kitchen macheté — and his funky grill
POW!
Fixing tacos and cars for a generation
Big mop head just right for one jumbotron
Heart…