Two-Saddles Down (from Riding the Greyhound)

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jwesley
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-04-30

Posts 7563
Spring, Texas

0 posted 2014-08-10 07:51 PM

Two-Saddles Down
(from Riding the Greyhound)

The saddle between my legs
creaked
as I shifted position
to look over my shoulder
at the sound of the jukebox
being fed.

Another quarter, another lost love refrain
to get the beer drinkers upending their glasses,
and maybe, feet shuffling on the patch of
used to be shiny, dance floor –
six square feet of bodies straining
against one another.

The bartender looked at me,
flipped his chin at the woman
two saddles down,
with both elbows on the bar,
and dropped in another quarter.

Fat chance, I mimed,
lifting my empty glass – Refill, please,
Big Dog leaves in thirty-two minutes.

And just as Aretha's opening notes
caused my heart to skip-beats,
there was a tap on my shoulder
and there stood two-saddles down,
eyes closed, sway-whispering,
"Ain't no way . . ."
you're not going to dance with me.

Big Dog leaves in thirty-two minutes . . .

Yesterday, or the day before.
Maybe tomorrow too,
but not before two-saddles down
stops sway-dancing –

with me.

© wesley james beard, jr.
august 2014

Note: The bar, saddle-stools, jukebox and woman
all true (late 1950s) - the rest, the dreams of an old man.

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

1 posted 2014-08-11 05:10 PM

This is so vivid and colorful, dear Jimmy. You bring back sceneries of other times and you do it with great skill. I love reading your Greyhound memories.

Dreams of an old man? Dreams keep us young, never give up on them!

Margherita

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

2 posted 2014-08-12 10:45 PM

Oh man I am loving this...you brought the whole scene to life.
One of you best big dog tales..

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

3 posted 2014-09-22 07:06 AM

this is well worth a second round ...

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