DIANNA L. ZIMMERMAN lives in Albuquerque New Mexico. Her work has appeared in the Syracuse Cultural Workers Women Artists Datebook, Maverick Magazine, Voices of Michigan, Central Avenue, Vandalia, Conceptions Southwest, and So To Speak. She is the recipient of an Academy of American Poets Prize.

DADDY'S GUITAR

I take Central Avenue instead of the highway knowing exactly why: generic aerodynamic bodies and stomp on the brake, cut-throat drivers fill up that interstate. Central Avenue has cruisers, proud of their souped-up, custom-painted carros that purr like a cat, wheels that stick out from the frame and make a giant floating skateboard.

The street shivers in the heat-light like the hooker on the sidewalk's sequin. I note that tube tops are back for the rent-set. This August-in-May day has sweet air and a good song on the radio, delivered flawlessly. I miss static: the crackling hum of an album on the turntable.

I've heard it said you long for what you hear as a child.

I make my way down Central to the Frontier Diner where we meet. A man approaches and hands us a sign language card. He wants money, cash or coin, anything rolling around in a bulky purse.

At home, the children call for Daddy's guitar, a smooth-throated companion and the day squeals to conclusion. This is where you tack on an ending.

Copyright © Dianna L. Zimmerman, 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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