I checked into a low priced room on La Cienega,
gazed out through the curtains of the parking lot.
walked down to the corner store just before nightfall in my bare feet.
black tarry asphalt, soft and hot.
and when I came back I spread out my supplies.
on the counter by the sink,
I looked myself right in the eyes
st. joseph's baby aspirin,
bartles and jaymes,
and you or your memory.