Can I read my

self into the record
or should I let the words
speak themselves?

Each scratch against
the grain of vermouth
sputters like persons
drunk on vermouth. 

Drunk makes joy
or no one would do
the drinking for joy
that makes drinking new.

The record is scratchy
and covered in gaps
each sound will write forth
a memory lapse. 

All is forgotten
given the time
so ask not the watcher
and be not that crime.