It was what the aged folks referred to as ‘a high old time’,
or what the papers might call ‘a drink and drugs binge’.
He was a drifter, sometimes. Spent a while in a penthouse flat,
in New York, New York, til they caught up with him.
With his suit and scent, he’d shoot up in 7th floor apartments
with chicanos, cutting up with their green cards and putting
the world to rights. An hour later, he’d be shaking hands with
Senators.
In between the flat and the Brooklyn brownstone, he’d scatter
singles like pignuts to the dispossessed. One …

“Idler, scrounger, loafer, waistcoat devotee and appreciator of fancy biscuits. Has been known to wear hats. Police say foul play cannot be ruled out.”