a journal in short bursts that might occasionally even rhyme |
Have a seat I already poured you a drink You have it neat right I’ve seen you in here Most nights of the week I know you noticed My notice I’m sorry If that made things Uncomfortable I don’t want it to sound Like I’m angling for more I’m curious I confess What a beautiful woman Well you know the rest I ducked my head Ostensibly shy To get a better look It is what she expects And I aim to please When it costs Nothing to do so Though the flattery Left me unmoved I smiled anyways Wide and full of teeth Aiming for friendliness I never miss the mark Except today I apologize this is on me I clearly overstepped my bounds Hope this doesn’t make you I just thought She trailed off stupidly All but wringing her hands In consternation Darting away with relief When another customer walked in I should have called her back Accepted her oblique insinuations A drawn out flirtation That would keep me in style Until she realized I had No intention of delivering What my mouth promised She’d seen me here Most nights for weeks Drawing her out Making her want I was always selling Except today It must be old age When a young thing like that Stirs in me pity Instead of dollar signs Yet something about the keenness Of her glazed gaze Roused my dormant conscience I throw money on the bar Leaving her to hustlers With more ambition And fewer scruples |