15,775. MAKE THIS DISAPPEAR

MAKE THIS DISAPPEAR

Jackie Francinado was once a

boxing champion; took a few

too many to the chin, but

carried his head aloft no

matter. It went on like this

for quite some time. The

referee finally called him

out  -  a  TKO; he was out

in nine. After that he hung

up his gloves and worked

the door at Archinetti's

Blue Lounge.

-

All this was long ago, but

I remember the time. I

had a great-uncle there too,

he worked the ropes and he

boxed as well. Bantamweight

champion of something or

other. I met him only once,

at my Grandmother's house

in Bayonne. Cauliflower ear

and a big, flat nose.

-

He was her brother; some

family connection to a place

and a time I never knew but

always wanted to. Make this

disappear? It's up to me,

not up to you.