The Ancient Modern
Christopher / Joshua Alan Sturgill
St. Christopher crosses Christopher St.
a line from Leather Man to Rag and Bone
discalced, on wide and calloused feet
then back to make the Cross complete
from Bleeker west to Hudson, going slow
St. Christopher crosses Christopher St.
Barroom blare and bedrooms meet
with ecstasy’s and sorrow’s mingled groans
to watch him walk on calloused feet:
His hands, the brown of ripened wheat,
his eyes are meteors, as sharp as stone
He strides discalced on calloused feet.
Lustless beauty, burnless heat,
and Light extends from patches on his clothes:
the Sign he sends to Christopher St.
He calls to whores and queers, “be first!
Don’t you know the Kingdom also thirsts?”
St. Christopher crosses Christopher St.
discalced, on creased and calloused feet.
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