Tuesday at 3:15pm

When the neighborhood bar
leaves its door open 
on a sunny blue sky day

all who pass by look quickly inside 
with a sideways glance
to see who from the neighborhood
is allowed to have that much fun
on a Tuesday at 3:15pm

Some patrons will emerge from the darkness
for important calls that prohibit the sounds 
of juke box music and dice cups

while others enjoy a smoke 
and feel the sun on their face 
between innings

and they acknowledge all passers-by 
with a grin and slight nod 
as if proudly displaying their contempt 
for acceptable day time behavior 
like a badge of honor

Once again reassured 
that the world is doing fine without them 
and the strategy for their place in the day is sound
they slip back into the darkness for just one more
and leave the door open behind them

Ken Owen        April 2025        Van Niddy Press