What Dark Ways

Monday morning. Kids and crossing guards
contend with eight o’clock, a steady stream
down Fort past Jim’s Cafe and Sacred Heart. 
At Go‑Fer, one lean dude in faded jeans

and pointed boots inflates a tire and steps
inside to fill his mug with Coke and ice,
picks up a tin of snuff to keep the buzz
on later when the sugar high wears off.

At home, his little sister’s sick again. 
She caught the Monday misery from Dad,
who had it Sunday.  Too much bourbon on
his brain.  His hands were heavy, his mute face sad.

She’ll spend the morning curled up with a kitten
and wash and iron clothes all afternoon.

Hear it: