When I left Los Angeles
I did not think to return
And so took with me
Every emerald, every pearl,
Every secret, obscene word,
All the journals
Of American tears, human woes,
Emotionally on display
Facing the last cruel cowboy
A rodeo calf half-roped
Glazed eyes at bleacher lookers-on
Injury done, pals gone,
In this crude condition
I hoped for what life could be
And have found salvation
In separation
Lee Burke González
Galician Country, 2018-2019
Acrylic on canvas