What Does Fame Mean by Paul Ilechko

Infamous times     sprawling
in many directions     star-stamped
and eloquent     asking only

for affection     something long 
since missing from corrupted
childhoods     where Van Morrison

rolled along like a two-fisted barrel
the sweat dripping     eyes bulging
like the black death     the honey

voice that hovered in a separate 
plane     unvanquished     floating 
above any sense of complacency

forcing beyond all bounds
of decency     still cajoling
for some chance at forgiveness. 

Poet and songwriter Paul Ilechko is the author of three chapbooks, most recently “Pain Sections” (Alien Buddha Press). His work has appeared in a variety of journals, including The Night Heron Barks, Rogue Agent, Ethel, San Pedro River Review, Lullwater Review, and Book of Matches. He lives with his partner in Lambertville, NJ.