Caught up in the first step of the miles
of flamenco sketches that led away from closet creeks.
Tough roads with a broken knee, but you still found ways to
conceal lost notes in the lap of the first gay man you met.
That first job staccatos into the first glimpse of freedom from small
city concrete that buries the roots of chords.
You never forgot to look up at nights cathedral, didn't forget
to whisper thanks.
Remember, there were friends who you thought wouldn't
make it this far.
Five steps beyond, you'll smile: it was never too bad
you enjoyed the whine of trumpets as they outlined a new beginning
Dave Keali'i is currently the mc/host of the Community Voices Poetry Open Mic in Westfield, Mass. He has featured at Jester's and Worcester Storytellers. He is known to attend various readings in Worcester and occassionally readings in Shelbourne Falls. He is currently serving one year as an Americorps*VISTA. He is easily bribed with chocolate.