My life would be worthless floating face down

In that dirty old river so lovely and warm

That fateful night as while casting a spell

Loaded to the blastin’ point

Is that really Jimmy’s ring clutched in your fingers?

The kids call him Jimmy the Saint

With wicked Felina, the girl that I loved

I begged him to go slow by the coal yards

Head first to the graveyard

They said they found my high school ring

They told me he was bad

They heard him say, how can you be so cruel?

They pulled him from the twisted wreck

They all stop and stare

But you went running back and asked me why

But I’ll join you tonight and there’s nothing

But my love for Felina and five mounted

Cowboys just sweet sixteen

What could I do?

Oh what can I do?

Will I see you any more?

Hey kid, you think that’s oil?

And am I still your own true love?

Were lovers stalled upon the railroad track

By the river in El Paso at the candy store

Lyin’ there upon the grave?

Yes, we see how his car overturned in flames

How that ever can happen where the horses were tied

I feel the bullet go deep in my chest

The shadows wave into a point I’ll never kiss

Your lips again and kissed

One little kiss and Felina, good-bye

Doug Nufer is our Poet in Residence for May.

Previously: I Who Have Satin, and Pocket Pal Bromides Attributed to Celebrities.