VFW
A rundown Vet's club. Plush forty years ago.
Sticky floor, gum under tables, sawdust
on the dance floor. Nobody dancin'.
Two guys in the back shootin' snooker.
A little black man in a sharkskin suit,
a size too big, sits at the piano. He's been
told he sings like Satchmo. In his youth
he headlined for a well-known band.
The vets' wives ask him to do the one,
"You know, the one." He smiles, downs
a seven and seven, takes a long drag,
lays a burning Camel on the glass ashtray
piled high with butts. It's thirty years ago,
thirty-one. He's been headlining Fridays
and Saturdays at the VFW for the last five
years. Short order cook during the week.
Drinks on the house. Cardboard sign
taped to front door. His name in stencils.
VFW
-
- Posts: 2692
- Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03
Re: VFW
Strong poem. The well selected details immerse us on the scene. The irony at the close is poignant. No crits
-
- Posts: 2154
- Joined: 18 Apr 2005, 04:57
Re: VFW
relics that still rattle & hum
Hi Billy,
in accord with Bob here
Michael (MV)
Hi Billy,
in accord with Bob here
Michael (MV)