Coeducational

The edges of memory
are blurred to the point
of questioning boundaries
the details, exchanges.
What does the heart
choose to remember
when the mind and the shaft
have forgotten the truth?
A twin long bed, Christmas lights
bourbon, desire
to raze a sure crop
since the penchant's genetic.
Dorm room rules
were thrown through
the windows
of suites too big
to fit we immortals.

The classes came easy
the hangovers hard
and the tale tells the rest
of countless young prospects
cursing, and spitting, and pumping
through credits
that may or may not
have earned a framed parchment.
Some saw the change
from freshman to sophomore--
a cocky young protege
feeling his oats.
The subject himself
could not sense the calm
waiting before
the foreshadowed storm.

Sour mix mornings
and counterfeit handles
were strewn through the hallways
of a State-funded campus.
Drool on the pillowcase
blood on the sheets
and a girl, exits south, tongue-tied
and belittled
by a fool in dark denim
and black too-tight T-shirts
who held what he thought
were the reins that were promised
by good marks in high school
and pats on the back
from mentors and cohorts
forgetting the odds.

But he made it through death
as he makes it through lay-offs
and bills that come promptly
and rent through the roof.
Sometimes he wonders
if things had been different
would that girl who loved dresses
still toss to the floor
the fabric as thin
as the threads that are tethered
to fates that are options
if strong cards are bet.

He knows what he's holding
this time around.
Not even the Dealer
can pry free his hand.