nthposition online magazine

Violent crimes

by Kayt Nelson

[ poetry - december 05 ]

for Detective S.P., Chicago Police Department - Violent Crimes Unit

he’ll probably hum Sinatra
call his house his villa
the colors of which might be Vegas
salmon turquoise
deep maroon

when you finally get a chance to meet
he’ll be all cop     all not cop
his endless heart    his extra starch
his .38     his sergeant's plate
his empty rooms
which derail and veer across
the trails of your tense     imagination
to steel synapse traps
set long ago by perps
who still disgrace you     still inflict
their violent crimes
their violent crimes against you

you put down an ear    you wait
you tap you touch
you listen
measure
for his rumbles
his intensities
his currents
cruelties in his truth

when you meet you know he’ll wait
he’ll know you’ll want this
you will need to
read     the man
the man’s man assessing from behind     the eyes
you know will shine as strong     as clear as Klute’s

once you’ve met him
you know you’re going to let him
peel you
peel away these violent crimes
these violent crimes against you
release you
resurrect
your high school naked
your untouched
his skill    his grace     his fingertips
will peel and trace
tense
impress and place
his fresh     his long awaited tracks
on you