Whiskey Man

Our dreams teach us we just seldom comprehend.

 

I listened with conviction

Of hazy ramblings

That were clearer

Than anything I’ve witness

In broad daylight.

Telling tales

through lips

Withered from the weather

And time.

Slurring about

The woman he lost

Too soon to cancer

And the estranged kids

Cause he never learned

To be a father,

Too busy

Making ends meat

In an anorexic economy;

Tears fell from

A regretful stare

Silently into an empty glass.

He vented about

The farm he lost

From the Government’s greed

Turning his livelihood

Into a business;

A fist striking the counter

Like a gavel

Calling for order.

He reminisced

With reckless abandon

Of a time when the world

Was simple but thriving

Choking on the word “progress”

then excused himself…

As I watched him stumble

To the back of the lounge

I could swear he became one

With the smoke filled room;

Never returning.

As I left the bar

I never laid eyes on before,

Just happened upon,

Suddenly I was intoxicated

With clarity

From the words of that whiskey man

So I drove off

Without a glance

In my rearview mirror.

 

Reviews

[Angel Bird]

A very profound and touching write. Powerful in its clear message.
One grand piece filled with a very wisdom. Your palpable description made the whole scene appear before my inner eye. Impressive images.

--- Suddenly I was intoxicated with clarity ---

[Dezaraye]

This is awesome. It is so sad and haunting. So often, we ignore those around us who need a listening ear ... who need help ... who are hurting.

[Jamie S.]

This reminds me of my dad, I could see his face as I read every word. I can feel the gut wrenching strength in this piece, great writing and thank you for sharing.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Sadly, I think this is a scenario played out far too often in today's society; and you have done an excellent job of portraying what so many of us can empathize and sympathize with. Like others, I loved the notion of being "intoxicated with clarity."

Linda Marie

[Wildfleour]

I really liked this poem, Dale.

[Naomi Montana Walsh]

This is truly a touching write , it is exactly what poetry does best showing us our deeper selves I loved it, it made me want to be a better writer, the final line a work of art the best I've read from you. I give you the rare 100 rating.

[Poeticpiers]

A wise man learns from the mistakes of others
You conjured up a familkiar scene from my youthful days

[An owl on the moon]

The sadness of your poetry here is just all too real... You bring to light the darkest of places... hearts lost... people wandering... Your poignant words flow like a song...

[Lovely Lady]

It takes great insight to be willing to learn from someone else's wisdom.

You have a great talent and I always enjoy the journey you take me on ...
~lovely

[Georgia Gypsy]

Lyrical story line, with such a wonderful message!! People never seem to take the advice of those who've lived harder an learned more.....
Very vivid imagry----played out like a movie as i read it.
:)

[Alicia Schroeder]

Very discriptive message here.. Great write.