Backseat

April 12th, 2004; I read the news.
"Man acquited of manslaughter--
the victim
a teenage crossdresser."

The shotgun kissed his mouth
and fired through, leaving
shrapnel like holy water
on the back of the car.

The headlines, however
were interested in the fact
that the judge did not know
whether to call
"Him" or "Her"
"Nineah" or "Michael"

I was interested
in his soul,
sad, and cold and
barely breathing
on the back of that car.