8.25

In 1948 western heroes rode

across screens so vivid I thought

they were behind them.

How could Roy be at the Capitol

and then at the Paramount later

on.

Grammy would hold my hand

and buy us a popcorn at the

store next door to theater row.

Trigger was so large and golden

my eyes widened at the glow.

The mechanics don’t matter now.

The Capitol is gone, an empty lot

where Roy first held my gaze and

boyish heart. He still rides there

amidst the phantoms.

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