billy clubs michigan avenue chicago police/national guard riot 1968

had that weathered look
like a hard oak or mahogany
marks like notches
wielding sweeping wild
circular motions
floodlights and shimmering bayonets
armored legion columns
like orders being followed
clubs ramming ribs
all the way through to the insides
we finally ripped away our shrouds
and kissed desperate
in a cloud of tear gas
like lovers before the gallows

we tried walking

not running
hands clasping tightly
left only with dignity
eyes wide open
a tactical retreat
deep into the dark of grant park

the police streamed through

grabbing stray bodies
like lost deer from a herd
wrapping up and dragging their bounty
into trucks and busses

convention delegates

looked on from the other side
of michigan avenue
hiding in their hotel
some cried
all were witnesses

the nights rolled into days

we lost & found each other
many times
our lips stayed true
as our new skin

--- e b bortz