Snake Pit Police Raid 1970

Diego Vinales jumped from the
second floor of the Charles Street Police Station,
lips of the night evaporating off him
in silk swathes,
terror of being deported,
the crime of being out.

Diego Vinales jumped
and landed on a fairy’s one weakness:
wrought iron/ impaled & cut down.

Diego Vinales jumped
and survived, Saint Sebastian
of the Snake Pit, torn wings
lifted the movement; they said,
“Any way you look at it that boy was pushed,
we are all being pushed.”

Diego Vinales jumped
and was deported once he recovered.
Oh fondly foolish boy, seeking in vain
to clasp a fleeting image.