Canarsie from Insomnibus by Al Duvall

The twins are getting beaten in a mean joint
They’re doubled over screaming out for Marcy
But Marcy’s held at gunpoint up in Greenpoint
For larceny and arson in Canarsie

I followed the police investigation
On walkie-talkies picked up on my wireless
I got off at the final subway station
As an amateur detective I am tireless

The crime scene I encountered there was awesome
A chalk line on the sand round a cadaver
The note said "I am only playing possum
And if you like my widow you can have her"

She staggered in the grip of Dionysus
Boy, what did all the carnies at the bar see?
The coroner bought us all Italian ices
And we all enjoyed the morning in Canarsie

The atmosphere was viscous at the dockside
And fragrant with hibiscus and monoxide
My head was spinning off me like a discus
I dropped just like a rock inside a rockslide

I awoke upon a trawler bound for Norway
As helpless as an auctioneer with lockjaw
And the quartermaster looming in the doorway
With an opiate concocted by a Choctaw

Now I’m slaving through the summer salmon season
Hobbling on my shattered metatarsi
And since my story has more rhyme than reason
I’ll say I’d rather be back in Canarsie

• Americana
• Comedy
• Mummer
• medicine show
• music-hall
• tenor banjo
• Brooklyn