jake's best days

when jake

was in the jump, doing

ninety-days

for non-support

or another DUI,

he'd phone me and ask about

work.

he'd be out next month

and needed

money.

he knew

the guards, one

was his cousin Spanks,

who would bring

him pizza and fried

chicken

from the outside.

Jake would gain thirty

pounds

in the slammer and have

to buy new clothes

when he got out.

but he was well rested

and finally sober

on his return to

the outside world,

and hungry

for work. not repentant,

but strong from

lifting barbells

in the yard.

those were his best days.