♥️ATX (2003)

It's hot in Austin, Texas.

Tourists huddle indoors

and gripe about the summer heat.

"They're laughing at us," Mary says,

pointing at the Tejanos 

in denim and long sleeves 

laying asphalt.

We are drinking ice-cold beer

in the afternoon 

at Guero's Taco Bar.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

It's weird in Austin, Texas.

Misfits and malcontents 

make their home

in the Lone Star State capital.

"I'm running for Mayor," 

Leslie announces,

hiking her miniskirt to reveal

(MAY)(OR!) 

written in permanent marker

across freckled butt cheeks.

Will Bill offers his legal services 

pro bono.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

It's loud in Austin, Texas.

Live music rattles the cityscape

with a bluesy, honky-tonk vibration.

"Who's playing the Continental?" Victor asks,

reaching for the weekly Chronicle:

        Dale Watson at ten o'clock,

        Tony Price at Saxon Pub,

        Charlie Sexton at Antone's.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Creativity flourishes in Austin, Texas.

Every service industry person

has a side hustle in the arts.

"Read my screenplay?" Hannah asks.

I don't want to read it.

I consent anyway.

Around here, yes 

is a form of currency.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

It's harsh in Austin, Texas.

A hostile climate chases off

the weak and infirm.

Heat scorches lawns,

peels paint,

warps judgement.

"This is Comanche territory," 

Tocho declares.

"Our ancestors suffered raiding parties,

forced slavery, 

pestilence and disease."

Carmen reminds him that most of us

are from somewhere else.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

It's hip in Austin, Texas.

Newcomers flood the city

from all corners of America.

"Hundreds a day!" Sarah laments.

Scaffolds and cranes dot the horizon.

The skyline swells like a fever.

Every season, something iconic

gives way.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

It's home in Austin, Texas.

"The place gets into your blood," 

Eddie says.

He came in 1987

for the inaugural South by Southwest

music festival.

Found his tribe beneath the live oaks.

Never left.

The Colorado river carries our secrets

all the way to the Gulf.