Where I'm At

by Lucas Stensland

I don't want to
go home just yet
and check the mail
this bar reminds me
of where I'm at

the woman
sitting left of me
almost has her laugh
a whiskey sour
is my drink tonight

thoughts of those
famous soft white shoulders
the hills of heaven
are only clouds awaiting
this drunken kiss

the stool
she used to sit upon
occupied by an obese man
sometimes time changes
in the wrong direction

I don't know the name
of this neighborhood or bar
but I’ll be here again
the smell of some river
the smell of cheap beer

Taking the LIRR In Rough Shape

by Lucas Stensland

gathering
dark clouds
she hands me bad news

the married woman
saying she loves me
repeated words
by definition
never change

the length
of the platform
half a smile

always
an hour away
Babylon

my empty beer cans
bouncing on the train seat
damn city girl

train bathroom
my hand silences
one wall

one stop
too far
Islip

perfume
from the seat
behind
another train station
not my own

the fanciest
wine bar in Patchogue
free Ruffles

they
weren’t kidding
Village Idiot Pub
out i stumble
and down i go

she's always
a sure thing –
drinks with the moon