higher power
by Kevyn Clark


the swirls
and whirls
beads
of liquid condensation
on a wooden bar
questions
from a higher power
the answers
located at the bottom
of a bottle

these things
are symphonies
to me
concerts
I attend frequently
third row center
present
long before
curtain
and well after

this company
of drunks
performs here
before me
well rehearsed
costumed chorus
scenery
all too familiar
still
heartily welcomed

sancte spiritus
they sing
kyrie
and benedictus
tearful
between rounds
and rounds
perfect voices
ordering
during operas


this bottle
speaks to me
out of character
you’re not
in costume
your pancake
smeared
gather your wits
places
top of act one

again
the wetness
peeled labels
discarded programs
a cast
of one
I recognize
the audience
I’ve played here
before

waves
of drink
spill
drowning the company
where
pray tell
is my director
as the bar rag
closes
opening night

the steps
have been provided
yet
not programmed
for another production
focus the lighting
the bottom
of this glass
is dark
possibly empty

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