Knoxville Drag Show - Ken Pobo

I walk to The Factory,
a gay bar. It’s Saturday,
drag night. There’s

Nancy Sinatra singing
“Sugar Town” in a blond wig,
long go go boots. Next,

Ethel Merman belts
“I’ve got rhythm. Who
could ask for more?” In ‘69,

Stonewall’s drag queens
told the cops “You can’t
treat us this way!”

Their refusal to run
freed me. So, sing out,
ladies, in low-cut gowns

and Garland wigs,
sing loud and long, sing
for those who can’t, sing

till your mascara runs
and morning stretches
sunlit arms over a waking city.

Originally published by Blue And Yellow Dog 2012

Kenneth Pobo (he/him) is the author of twenty-one chapbooks and nine full-length collections. Recent books include Bend of Quiet (Blue Light Press), Loplop in a Red City (Circling Rivers), Lilac And Sawdust (Meadowlark Press), Lavender Fire, Lavender Rose (BrickHouse Books), and Gold Bracelet in a Cave: Aunt Stokesia (Ethel Press).