Green Man Green Man is that you - John Garn

[Larry Robinson]

Green Man  Green Man  is that you

standing on the shoulder tunic torn bare foot 
singed beard stubble eyes blazing like a marauding wildfire
You struggle with the handle before entering my car
soot smudged smelling of boiled resin and rabbit screams

Green Man Green Man is that you

asking for water voice raspy with choke and sob
You drink the jug dry without pause without hesitation
the sag of your shoulders drags you down into sleep
and I tuck You under a blanket of meadow blooming and lynx play

Green Man Green Man is that you

Mile after blackened mile I check the rearview mirror
sounds of babbling brooks and birdsong mix with 
the sharp crackle of dry wood burning
the only indication that You are still here with me

Green Man Green Man is that you

Just passed the bloated mass of roadkill 
I’m suddenly startled by “Pull Over Here”
You step out before the car is completely stopped
disappearing into a vibrant stand of still life

leaving only ashes on the seat

Green Man Green Man was that you
 
	- John Garn