THE SPAT

relationships, time for a stiff drink

THE SPAT

The pub is murkily lit

Stench of smoke permeates

Photos of unknowns cloak the cracked walls

A filthy fan spins and waifs the foul air

 

I am a broken soul

No path to turn

Other than to drink

The barmaid takes notice

She senses my morose

And without ask

Pours me some whiskey

I smell the booze

My medicinal for sure

 

 

One other patron

Sits a distance

A table far in the corner

Wide brim hat covers his face

I bet he’s forlorn too

 

I am in no temper to converse

My body pains, my spirit rifts

Spat with my wife

She’s sulky too

What was our quarrel?

Nothing special

Just years of presence

Perhaps we consider a change

Yet I may bemoan this notion

 

The barmaid pours me another whiskey

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

Excellent story and atmosphere in this. A scene in a pub. I got to like it. and I do.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank so much Ken, really appreciate it
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

The three lines 'what was our quarrel? Nothing special just years of presence' are really powerful. All long relationships have probably had some of that. The mood you set had me smelling the foul air of broken souls that hang in the hall of unknowns. A smoky write for sure!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a great review!
Best, Betty

[Patricia]

haven't had days like that since my twenties, gotta say I don't miss it but don't regret them either, good time - bad time conversations, moody shots and beer, stale atmosphere, cold souls looking for warm comfort, yes you got this down. the descriptions in this really give this life, feel like I am there. well done B.!

[Betty Hermelee]

whiskey can fade the woes! Thanks P for a lovely review.
Best, B.

[Patricia]

You're welcome B. Hugs1

[Throwing Romeo]

Whiskey has a beautiful color especially through your light.
Pulled me in, sat me down.
I too tilt my brim.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much for stopping by and reviewing my poem. Best, Betty

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked this poetry. You took me back to my piss-off Texas days. I liked those whiskey taverns. Less conversation and more whiskey. Hello dear Betty and thank you for sharing the entertaining poem.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much John, really appreciate it.
Best, B.

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure and you are welcome, dear Betty.

[KWP]

feels like the opening scene to a seedy detective movie ...old cop, lost in drink, loves his wife, but of course, she is his nearest and dearest and where there is a spat to be had, well, the nearest and dearest shall be the receiver - oh how we have all be there :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much for stopping by to review my poem, much appreciated.
Best, Betty

[jacob erin-cilberto]

God, I love that description, Betty.

"the club is murkily lit"

I wish I had written that.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for your review J. Always appreciated.
Best, B

[M. J. Smith]

Yah, I know this too well. So many times the road has taken me in. But I always return.
Honest emotions well reflected in a few short words.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for your thoughtful review
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

There are many who will drown their sorrows in the bar. I've always thought that a problem shared is a problem halved. Letting it all fester, does no one any good and too much whiskey can give you one hell of a hangover. I reckon there's many a barmaid that has turned into a social worker. A slice of life here Betty. Nicely penned and descriptive with it.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank for your thoughtful review Chris. you're spot on!
Best to you,
B.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I remember times like these. I just felt so upset but could not talk about it...
Just sit alone and think, which usually made things worse.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Sometimes it does make things worse. Thank J, always appreciated
Best, B.