Just This Once

Please, for me?

Empty.
"My bottle is empty"
I say.
"One more, please?"
I ask
with a wave of my hand.

Last call.
"Last call was a half hour ago"
he says.
"Besides mister"
he asks
"Don't you think you've had enough?"

Never.
"I'll never have enough"
I say.
"Just one more, please"
I ask
"Just one more for me, please?"

Just this once.
"For you, I'll make an exception"
he says.
"But you can't come back here again."
He asks
"Understood?"

Of course.
"I understand"
I say.
"If you give me a beer I'll leave."
I ask
"deal?"

Hope.
He hands me a full bottle.
I leave.
I sit on the curb outside.
While drinking
I drop my bottle and it shatters.

Waste.
"What a complete waste"
I cry.
"Can I get a damn break for once?"
I ask.
There are no deals here. 

I am no exception.