FACING THE DOOR

by Richard Schnap

First comes a coed
With a black and gold shirt
Whose inspected I.D.
Lets her sip a red wine

Then comes a worker
With paint-splattered jeans
Who gulps down the first
Of a series of shots

Next comes a beggar
With a handful of change
Just enough for a glass
Of whatever’s on tap

And finally an old man
With a cane and a thirst
To share one last drink
With someone who’s not there.