The barman wipes the counter The rag smells of vinegar I watch the clock hand twitch Stuck between three and four A mechanical glitch You search your purse for a reason to stay You find a ticket stub from yesterday And a mint wrapper Silver foil, crinkled Like the skin round your eyes When you laughed at my shoes I’m not asking for a miracle I’m just asking for the bill --- Why did you say it? I didn’t say a word I just looked at the door You looked at the door like it was a way out Well it has hinges That’s what it’s for The jury is seated on barstools Spinning around Judges in denim Making a sound The gavel is a glass Hitting the wood Guilty For misunderstood mood Guilty For ordering food we didn’t eat Guilty For the mud on the feet The atmosphere’s thick Like soup in a can I need a plan I need a van I need --- Check the meter Check the meter The cab driver hates us He turns up the heater Windows down Air rushing in Swallowing streets Swallowing din No seatbelts fastened We’re loose cargo Speeding past banks And Wells Fargo Where are we going? Don’t ask me that Where are we going? Just feed the cat Feed the cat When we get back If we get back The asphalt is wet The tires are bald Best night yet Or so I’m told --- The engine cuts Silence Just ticking Cooling metal We’re parked on gravel Unravel You open the door The sensor goes ding Such a tiny Demanding thing I check my pockets Keys Phone A stone I picked up We walk to the porch No grand finale Just the neighbor’s bin Blowing down the alley Goodnight Yeah Goodnight [End]
