VFW

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Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

VFW

#1 Post by Billy » 13 Jan 2022, 22:15

VFW

A rundown Vet's club. Plush forty years ago.
Sticky floor, gum under tables, sawdust
on the dance floor. Nobody dancin'.

Two guys in the back shootin' snooker.
A little black man in a sharkskin suit,
a size too big, sits at the piano. He's been

told he sings like Satchmo. In his youth
he headlined for a well-known band.
The vets' wives ask him to do the one,

"You know, the one." He smiles, downs
a seven and seven, takes a long drag,
lays a burning Camel on the glass ashtray

piled high with butts. It's thirty years ago,
thirty-one. He's been headlining Fridays
and Saturdays at the VFW for the last five

years. Short order cook during the week.
Drinks on the house. Cardboard sign
taped to front door. His name in stencils.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: VFW

#2 Post by BobBradshaw » 14 Jan 2022, 01:28

Strong poem. The well selected details immerse us on the scene. The irony at the close is poignant. No crits

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Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

Re: VFW

#3 Post by Billy » 15 Jan 2022, 19:30

Thanks Bob

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: VFW

#4 Post by Kenneth2816 » 17 Jan 2022, 14:22

Ring of truth makes the poem

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Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

Re: VFW

#5 Post by Billy » 21 Jan 2022, 07:40

Thanks Ken

Michael (MV)
Posts: 2154
Joined: 18 Apr 2005, 04:57

Re: VFW

#6 Post by Michael (MV) » 22 Jan 2022, 00:45

relics that still rattle & hum

Hi Billy,

in accord with Bob here


8)

Michael (MV)



 

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