A Tavern of Empty Voices

Devoted patrons

have chosen to stay home

and melt like ice cubes in glasses.        

 

Most days here,

the sun, in its lazy mood,

mopes across the floor      

to occupy chairs, or corners,     

....but says nothing.      

 

It only displaces a cacophony      

of voices, and intoxicated crooners.   

 

The upturned bar stools 

reflect a world      

gone upside down.      

 

When it rains,      

this empty room 

is like clouds with heavy eyes on tap,      

toasting down another drink 

to sorrow and uncertainty.

Author's Note

No one went out during covid.

Reviews

[Allen Smuckler]

Great write, Relic. Recently, I was in a bar that was eerily similar to the one you wrote about. I love the imagery of this piece and especially was taken by the sun moping across the floor. You captured the times perfectly... let's hope for a return to normalcy soon. Well done, Relic..and pour me another drink please.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Tim, in the early days of lockdown, all our pubs closed. These lines spoke well of that time and the emptiness where once there had been laughter and merriment. Businesses as well as people lost. What sad times we have all lived through. Hoping for better days. Conveyed so well.

Chris

[Relic]

I appreciate your comment, Chris. Thanks.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Oh I really love those last three lines.

You can feel the emptiness and heartache loud and clear.

[Relic]

Thanks for your thoughts, Cowboy.

[Tina]

I like how you write your poetry. I could see myself in the saloon you were talking about.

[Relic]

I appreciate your thoughts, thanks.

[Arundass TP]

Excellent poem. Each line captured my heart

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Arundass TP. I appreciate your review.

[Fran Marie]

Even the Sun is
in lockdown this
piece really speaks
volumes on how
topsy-turvy our lives
have become

just like the upturn
bar stools and the
moping Sun across
the floor..such an
accurate and sad
vision of today's reality
you have painted here
in descriptive poetry

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Fran.

[John the Baptist]

No suggestions. The poem captures perfectly the spirit of the current times. Loved the way the imagery reflects the somber mood. Last verse is a killer.

[Relic]

Thanks very much, John. I appreciate your review.

[Patricia]

Hello Relic, first off let me say how much I love this photo! I am a huge fan of B&W because any emotion can be applied to it so bravo for the look and second the words complete the picture as you give it a meaning that we can reflect on with you. Everyone is feeling this one with you. Very well done!

[Relic]

Thank you, Patricia. :)

[Susan 🦋]

The sun always seems to be in lockdown during these long winter months in Wisconsin!...but yes, tough times and your poem relects that. Heavy eyes on tap for sure. Well expressed.

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Susan. :)

[Cherrie Palmer]

I love the phrase... An occasional sun mopes across the floor ...
Stellar imagery cause even the sun is on lockdown.

[Relic]

Thank you, Cherrie. R.