Demon Box

To Jed

across the river riding point

TARNISHED GALAHAD… what the judge called him at his trial

– - written later, on the run, in Mexico:

Down to five pesos from five thousand dollars

Down to the dregs from the lip-smacking foam

Down to a dopefiend from a prizewinning scholar

Down to the bush from a civilized home.

What people once called a promising talent

What used to be known as an upstanding lad

Now hounded and hunted by the law of two countries

And judged to be only a Tarnished Galahad.

Tarnished Galahad – did your sword get rusted?

Tarnished Galahad – there's no better name!

Keep running and hiding 'til the next time you're busted

And locked away to suffer your guilt, and shame.

– pretty much what happened.