cinematic i begin with Culver City where the handsome faggots make pretty pretty. empty lots and secrets well kept, nothing standing but the frame of a set, some things are built to withstand regret. it was cinematic how we loved: longshot! jumpcut! close-up! she wore off like a prom dress, heels a kickin', short hair a mess, painted nails for turning tricks. throw something hard, something stick. throw nothing, nothing slips. tip and tuck down the 99 pedal pushed down the entire time. running scared til the ceiling falls, banging her head, wrists rubbed raw, addicted to something we never saw. it was cinematic how we loved: longshot! jumpcut! close-up! off the freeway, dreamland burns, the ultimate take in the land of returns. with a glycerin smile and a tear for tradgedy, something grand judy left for me, nothing more than box office history. it was cinematic how we loved: longshot! jumpcut! close-up! i begin where garland died, looked like a child all her life. so will i. © 2003 Erin McKeown