July 9, 2022

TOWN PUB

 TOWN PUB


You would think this is a safe place

A refuge with beer and extra-cheese pizza

A place to forget about the question 

‘Am I dead inside?’

But after the tray is empty 

And the glass partly wet 

But mostly dry

In comes the old veterinarian

I recognize him, seen him here 

In the Town Pub before;

His office up the street.

I remember Butch, the first dog 

I as an adult had to put to sleep

And, Libby, of course, the same thing

And my still not knowing how to halt the tears

And Stormi who died before she got to his office

And I see the dogs – like on a TV in my head

And I wonder who they play with

On the other side of the light?


From AMERICAN BOY: Pushing Sixty

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