blending in

toledo 1955

on moore street

a cluster of jews

against the current

in a river of catholics

mainly polish

and a few southern anglos

like the cowboys next door

     my best friend buster

and his older brother

with a black '48 mercury

bubble-skirts and glass packs

and slick-back hair

the roar up and down the street

turning your head

but never bringing complaints

     but then

what does a 7-year-old know

when hopelessly tasting his own blood

in a back-alley boxing match

the family with lots of kids

     and crucifixes

my cheering section

--- e b bortz