Barfly

Sat perched on the bar stool last night, evening time

Out on the dusking patio in the cool October air

Patrons swirled

Eager for a Friday night

Ladies fetched in felt hats

Their crow’s feet crinkling, their lipstick smeared

Oh, the cost of being coy

Always on point and entertaining

I pulled on my coat, lifted my chin

Thought that perhaps if I inhabited my body

As if I owned it -

Belly held tight, chest expanded, shoulders relaxed -

That my mind and mood would follow suit

You know, snap into place

Locked and loaded

With wit and charm, a bit of dash

So I perked up

Set my spine straight

Tossed my hair

And attempted to launch with a smile, a joke

But my tummy slunk, folded over

A canvas tent collapsing its walls

I reversed the engine

Backed her up into good old Resign and parked her there

I just wanted to be quiet

Left to pick through my confusion

Alone with my end-of-the-week fatigue

Wanted only to watch the sagging reserves pop and vibrate

Like television static

Like they had a life of their own

‘Cuz they do, at least for now

And I just got to lay her down

Trust in the inevitable change of weather

For even Tired will eventually renege on herself