The Maestro

This old man is rapt. I envy how the kid
Who tends the bar and tables here has
Mastered aspects of his trade. He charms
A brace of older women at a nearby table,
Each of them at least his mother's age.
He's oleaginous with us. He's sampled
All the beers, and recommends, based on
Both what he's tasted and what he's
Perceived in us, which ones will bring
The biggest tips. “A pizza later? Have
A look. No hurry. I will get your beers.”
He's perfect. He's a student at the college
Just across the street. I wonder what his
Major is, where he will go when he is
Finished. Old man that I am, I've seen
His type, the high school football stars,
The acid dealers in the dorms, get tripped
Up in the wider world. As we leave, I tip
Him well, and wish him likewise. He's
Where he can triumph now. I hope things
Stay that way.



Poetry by Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 42 times
Written on 2021-05-05 at 01:54

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