BOTTOM OUT

too much Bourbon

T'is a frosty eve

plentiful snowflakes tumble

from a droopy sky

quietude outside except for

clumps of fresh snow

smack off the evergreens

moon and stars are glacial

backside of the moon and stars

icy clouds

 

Inside is a smoke-filled bar

toasty with a blazing fire

onerous drinking since dusk

two vintage men

pals since college

share bright times and heartbreaks

straight bourbon

one shot glass after another

only they catch the meaning of each other’s words

 

The chatter is abundant

distressing as each dispenses

the bottom out first

harrowing deaths of young children before their parents

obnoxious breakups with revolting repercussions

lasting retributions

in which the children are collateral

uplifting memories buried in the drink

 

The banter heightens at midnight

flush cheeks, nose to nose

yet space remains

then silence

they lay their heads on the bar top

and weep as do infants

 

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Drink always brings out the desolate side of men. Exciting their brains first and then depressing them. I love your portrayal of the snowy winter evening and the animated conversation at the bar. You always paint such beautiful pictures with your gifted quill, dear Betty. Yet what touched me most was your sketch of these two men as lost little boys. That was just so touching and absolutely brilliant. Kudos!

[Betty Hermelee]

My dear Divya…thank you for an incredible review, always interpreting in between the lines… I love it
Warmly, B

[AYVID N]

Your poetry is loved, dear Betty.
You're welcome always.

[Betty Hermelee]

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[June bug]

"two vintage men"

I love this line, This is awesome writing here, I love the imagery you write with.
Amazing write and wonderful talent,

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much. appreciated, a fine review
Warmly, B

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Talking about drowning sorrows...
'and weep as do infants'...
Really like the ending...
Done that a few times in my life...
Awesome work.
Keep it up.
Take good care.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a fine review
Warmly, B

[Pete]

drinking frees the conscience and liberates the truth whether we like it or not. captivating, sobering write. well spun and told.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Pete, always a lovely review!!!
Warmly, B

[Neville]

Been there, done that and worn the Tee shirt out several times over .. What a remarkable social observation you have crafted and left here for us to consider and relate to .. This is rather special methinks .. & kindly Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Neville Thank you for your creative understanding, spot on review, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Vol]

Betty,
Lifelong friends at bars drinking too much, what other result could there be? I know they've traded blows along the way, and joys, and other tears... I've been there.
Vol

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Vol for your review, much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Relic]

Drinking does some weird things to people. I recall my mother's friends crying after drinking and I thought they were weird. ha-ha Luckily, I've never seen men cry after drinking. I hope I never do. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Relic for your review, much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

You capture this scene so well. Two grown men crying into their drink. Remembering the stuff which causes hurt. I hope the bourbon doesn’t leave them with a hangover as well as tears. Nicely crafted poem dear Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Chris for a lovely review….ive seen many a man cry and if inebriated, with some sad stories to tell, then it’s not surprising…… much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

I am pleased men can cry. My Dad’s generation didn’t. I believe it offers release. A safety valve for mental health. A strength not a weakness:)

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree wholeheartedly! B

[Arundass TP]

A colorful eye-catching poem. Excellent lines. Loved this

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you TP for your lovely review
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

Oh the many stages of drinking and its affect on our minds and emotions all filled with a varying topic of discussion depending on the parties that are conversing.

I can see the small pub like bar in my mind filled with people as they drink and talk. Music in the background. People socializing and then at some point someone has had too much and weeps tears.

I love the wording and the description you fill this poem with and yes adults can be much like infants at times.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you PB for a really super review!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome 😁