Grievous Angel

the cosmic cowboy
overdosed
on a deadly cocktail
of alcohol and morphine
to ease the pain
to ease the heartache
to ease the way
to redemption

Louisiana bound
to a friendless funeral
stolen away
in a cheap hearse
five gallons of gasoline
and a lighted match
in an open coffin at Cap Rock
under the Joshua trees

a blazing fireball
of wasted dreams
a flame so bright
it burnt the southern skies
a supernova
extinguished
by the implosion
of a broken heart

buried In the garden
of memories
away from where he died
but those who remember
build small stone monuments
and add their prayers
where his spirit drifts
the great Mojave

wings unfurled
at peace now
soaring free
grievous angel