-Tombstone territory-

            An introduction and requiem
            with cameo appearances.

            Here is the stone,
            Chiseled in the name of Frank Toni

            Cobbler to the southend of town

            Tender to the riven steel-toed

            Boots of the working man,

            Savior to the broken espadrille strap, the forlorn
            Lady’s last chance at one night out,

            Glazer to the Snapjacks

            Of Jean deBerry D'Quesne,––

            Frank Toni,
            Heart like wading Christopher

            (Long before he was speared in the back!

            Et tu Cardinals in red-feather frock,

            Flock of Pontiff, a Legion of Doom is what it is)

            And Frank, such as he was,––
            Seamster of heavy leather,–– the blood

            On his hand is the nub at the wheel. The pinky-

            Fingered badge-of-honor recipient,––

            The man who said:

            “They’ll be ready by Friday”

            But they’re racked at pick-up,

            Tagged and glistened by rouge on Thursday.

            Frank Toni, husband, father of three, soup-slurper ,
            Third number on the rotary dial, Fogland clam-digger,

            Cobbler to the southend massive, dead
            Near five decades now.