Receipts

I wonder what the world would think
if they knew Sigmund Freund used his clients cash
to buy mountains of coke. Or
if they knew Herbert Hoover preferred a sash
on a prom dress to a tie. Or
if they knew Hemingway took an advance
to slash it at gay bars.

How many receipts littered floors
filled with Parisian whores
as Franklin spoke of simple things
while sucking on those lady's rings.

What surprise awaits seldom few
when they realize the parts that grew
atop poor Joseph Merrick's skin
was the love of journals scribbled in.

I wonder what the world would think
if they knew conservatives used taxpayer pliers
to pry open Thai boys. Or
if they knew liberals used community dollars
to fund revolutions abroad. Or
if they knew no man was safe
with ticker tape strangling him.

I wonder if the day will come
(As it will to everyone)
When my receipts
say something sick of me.
I wonder if that day will ring me free.