-Requiem for Frank Leo-Davis-

Wiseguy,–– justifiably incorrigible back-row "boogie",

involuntary isolationist, lunchtime eater of mayonnaise sandwiches
wrapped in waxed-paper pulled from a brown paper bag

neatly folded for yet another tomorrow.

8th grader, 8th streeter, self-preserver,

non-participant whose "brand-new shoes"
are timeworn at the outer edge of their heels.

This one,–– who stands alone
outside the active circle of glassies

whose name is ridiculed inside the harsh
florescence of their bitter, nicotine-stained lounge

       who's passed from one of them to another of them

              snuffed as if an ashtray's punch-out at the bell
                     whose name is Frank Leo-Davis.



archives, the James Madison Morton Junior High School.  City