Step inside the door, out of a rain stained night
scent of clove cigarettes, the tinkle of cocktail glasses
voices murmur in thick distance made of smoke and memories
rhythm, slow, a drum beat calling the heart to slow down
Someone smiles a familiar smile but there is none on deposit
all spent other days when there seemed reason for them
couples turn about a hardwood dance floor, mirror image behind on dark glass
a turning ball sends light cascading, piano keys provide a ladder
for the song melody to climb.
This place where once we turned on the dance floor.
What dance floor does she grace now, what man does she allow to touch her?
Two hours pass unnoticed leaving only empty scotch glasses strung out
water spot circles on the quartz bar, suddenly whisked away
a dirty bar rag a smile from an unfamiliar face in bartender uniform
white sleeves poke out of a black vest, cigarette lighter emerges
to light the latest cigarette then the hand disappears
followed by the bar keep, gone to service others.
In the mirror behind the bar patrons pass happy,
it seems so unfair.
Crumpled cigarette pack on the bar, hands empty the glass ashtray for the tenth time now the eyes see blurry images, music seeps in but only confuses
barkeeper shakes his head at the request for more
"You've had enough sir", a cup of coffee appears.
Shaking hands guide the cup, but the taste, thick with sugar
does not sweeten the moment full of bitter memories
all that's left are these. Coming back didn't help
Walk out the door again, pull up the collar of the jacket
walk into darkness and rain, maybe into a speeding car's path
she won't know.
Author notes
Tom Waits always makes me remember coming back to the old jazz bars, alone, because the lady I went there with had left me.
A contest entry
- Tom Waits -- Alice by Luna Tique Fringe.
2000 points, ended February 5, 7 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Amazing write! The imagery was incredible, had me sitting on a barstool seeing every little detail. The pain so deep, could be felt by this reader. The ending made me wonder, where did he go from here? A part two maybe?
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first let me thank you for entering
this is a very discriptive piece.
i'm still reviewing, so please be patient with me
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Great atmosphere, going back in time, fits the prompt perfectly.
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This is like watching a movie from the days of old(1929)...when men were moved by passion, love, and heart-break was the end of his world....You are a dynamic writer; the metaphors, are just awesome.
I was totally enchanted reading this write.....novy
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What memories and the lonliness that the emotion stirs in the heart...wonderful write again friend. Blessings.
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