from Rock the Body Body

for Cornelius Eady

I.
One summer night I learned the art of
Break-dancing from a guy I'd only known
As Moon in exchange for algebra lessons
On Mondays. A member of the Pop-Along-Kids,
Moon taught me how to flick my wrist
& make a wave. “Check out The Electric
Boogie.” he said & worked like a robot;—
One hand extended, the fingers curling &
Uncurling as the arm-joints & shoulders, in one
Fluid motion, followed each other like butterflies.
I half-watched, trying to mimic the simple
Placement of feet, but mainly, I thought
Of all the girls that would soon form a circle
As I created illusions with my body.

"Rock the Body Body" first appeared in Painted Bride Quarterly.