1952
When I was seven years old
I whispered into my belt buckle,
A secret radio:
“Dragon 4 Starcruiser calling Base,
Dragon 4 Starcruiser calling Base ...”
And I remember that splurge of joy
When a voice on the other end
Responded rich and clear,
“Come in, Captain Jimmy, come in . . .”
1990
“Return to Base, Captain Jimmy.
Do you read me?
You’re about to leave the screen.
Come back, Captain Jimmy!
Return to Base!
Oh, Captain Jimmy,
You dumb shit.”