Sitting on dark and dusty stairs
surrounded by nicotine stained wallpaper,
I listen,
watching reflections in the tarnished mirror
and the polished brass hand pumps.
I hear the rattle of glasses, clinking
and the sounds of the sax.
Lenny playing endlessly,
tunes that mingle into one another,
separated only for the lighting of another cheroot
or a mouthful of beer.
Over in the corner
Patrick and friends are playing poker.
Money is pushed around the table,
cards shuffled and dealt.
Chairs scrape the wooden floor
as players leave and others join.
Smoke gets heavier,
music slower,
until the blues takes over the room.
No laughter,
no talk,
just Lenny and his sax, the tinkling of glasses,
and the thickening smoke,
rising up the stairs to meet me.
Elaine Morris (c) November 2014.
Comments on: "Jennifer." (7)
love the slow feel to this poem – I could see, smell and hear it all – nicely relaxing…
The making of a mini movie – really liked this.
Thank you for your comments Freya and Chris.
As if one were a fly on the wall. Engaging. A word painting.
Brings back memories of my parents having a night of company while us children had to be out of sight and out of mind – and to them hopefully asleep. And yet we were like you…
silent witnesses to captured moments. Well done.
Glad to get feedback. It was a bit different than my nature inspired things.
Truly atmospheric—cool and evocative.
Thank you Polly