There were those who said
he was some kind of genius,
but most saw him
as a drunk,

sprawling
on the sidewalk,
pants wet
from his own
water.

The very smell of him
would make heads turn,
generally away,

and yet there were those
who found the sight
and odor
appealing.

They became
unsought acolytes,
keeping their devotions
secret,

lest average mortals,
or the master,
see them

when bloodshot eyes
stirred,
wherever they might be,

in this city
of concrete
and mysteries.