Couch,

This reads like some of the first work I saw of yours years ago--before you knew what a song hook was. But were astonishing anyway. This is about as vivid and gritty of 3D writing as exists. Excellent craftsmanship and attention to telling details. One of my favorite lines...

All those years of hookin’ n crookin’
Treated her soul
Like a razor treats a wrist

Can't say I'd want to hang out with these folks, but you have certainly allowed me a peek into a world I would never hope to inhabit.

Still a fan, after all these years...

Keep writing.

Skip

P.S. Ever write short stories, or consider writing a novel? A collection of these as epic length poems would also be something I think would gain a readership, even without a musical setting.