It was just now I realized
what drew you
to the Hangout Bar
it was your grown-up
clubhouse
just like the fort where
little boys, took
comfort and
looked out on
the world thru
a camouflaged peep hole
It was a secret, this place
where we kept
our treasures buried
under a rock
cigarettes wrapped
in cellophane.
it was this fort
that held you on too
many Christmas Eves
on birthdays and Friday nights
on almost every time
you were suppose to be…
I stopped in
the first time
in many years
someone else
sat on your stool
I watched from the corner
as he swirled
his last bit of beer
in a short glass
threw it down
head back
eyes closed
then nodding
through his camouflage
at the bartender
rearranged his keys
stacked jukebox quarters
beside a holiday coaster.
Posted by Scot 