he was just a little
gangster with a high
voice
and a poetic mind that recognized
genius and let it grow
but someone pruned
his life
he didn’t lie or steal
could give you measure
for emotion he paid
for what he wanted and had
but someone stole
his life
the sanitation committee had a big meeting
concerning broadway
said the lights weren’t bright like
they used to be
a cleaning man came
and removed his life
said Broadway was getting
too dusty