and all the rest of it
the bar is smoke and music
the band is punching it out
the beer keeps coming
cold and welcome
the street outside bright with first snow
people walk by with smiles
first snow being a happy thing
he heads home
his mind empty
the drinks have warmed him
he thinks his bed will be empty
at home
there is a message by the phone
a girl has called but not left a number
he rips up the note
he decides a hot bath is the answer
pours himself a drink
and runs the bath
he puts on miles davis and the trane
submerges himself to his chin
the water is boiling
he will have a lobster disposition when he gets out
but for now
there is the bath
the soothing spell of water against skin
he can forget the bed that awaits him alone
the breakfast that he will eat by himself
his skin against hers in the night
and all the rest of it
Copyright © michael dennis / Ordinary Press 1982
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