Young Man Leaves Party

my take on Mark Strand's 'Old Man Leaves Party'

My tie was pre-loosened.
This was not to be like before.
Saturdays are not Fridays.
I didn't perceive breaking her heart
I promise.
Not on Saturday.
Seemed like more of a Tuesday thing.
I look like a burnt-out businessman
in a suit.
Or a sleezy car salesman.
The sound of rolling beer bottles
down the street
made more sense as a recording
of "they're laughing at me."
Ha
He's a poet. Its ok.
You won't ever know what I think about you.
unless I tell you.
I've eaten all the taffy I can stand.
Whiskey and ginger ale hurl bricks
through my facade.
I'm a much better actor, sober.

Almost One Night Stand

I drink a different beer tonight.
These are different people.
They drink for escape
and enjoyment.
I drink for work;
to write.
I drink to find
demons I haven't
exorcised yet.
I don't drink to find shelter,
but to escape it.
I drink so I can flirt.
I drink to love you.
I drink to scrawl words
on a notebook
on a porch
on a cigarette
on lips
that I won't bring myself to kiss.
I drink to hurt myself
I drink to remember you.
I drink I drink
Alcohol
Alcohol
Alcohol
Alcohol
And we forget ourselves.