a quiet guy
not into smiling
until a few drinks
bourbon his choice
but he wasn’t fussy
beer would do or scotch neat
loosen up
half smile and a joke
drop some intellect on you
art or poets long forgotten
a few more drinks
he’d snap shut
like oyster protecting its pearl
eyes glazed over; maple syrup
stumbling away
melancholy nights
liked him though
over the years got to know him
seemingly secure with his station in life
always disappointed me
when his older brother
came to town
smiling Jack of no trades
shifty eyes 👀
you wouldn’t turn your back on
he’d change then
act like a puppy dog
anxious to please, tail wagging, wanting praise
not himself then
brother would soon leave town
on his next great adventure
leaving him in his wake
go back to being what he was
sad-eyed dreamer who drank too much
