Rett

Jul 19, 2008 ⭐ See this poem's read count — a supporter feature

The Bartender

The Bartender

Hello there stranger,
Step up and have a seat.
Here, I'll pour you a cold one,
You sure are looking beat!
What's that you say?
Your woman has left you
And you just can't go on.
Well, it's been my experience
That it's always darkest before the dawn.

Lay your money on the counter,
Here, have another drink.
I'll just wait on this customer
While you sit there and think.

You say she tore your heart out?
She ran away with your best friend?
Well, I'd say you're better off without her,
You can start your life again.
What? No, I don't mind listening.
Yeah, I've met a hundred just like you
And they each have a story.
What? Oh yeah, I've managed to help a few.

Just lay your money on the counter;
Lay your troubles down there too.
Let me hear about your problems,
Maybe then you won't feel so blue.

— Rett, Jul 19, 2008

About the Author

Region, Country: Southern Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: Dickenson, Longfellow

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Critiques

DarkinAZ

18 years ago

I know that bartender...

great write friend. Sincerely, Mark

Rett

18 years ago

Thanks Mark

I've seen him a time or two in my past also. First two lines of third stanza in particular. Thanks for reading and commenting. Rett: Nancy Astor: “Sir, if you were my husband, I would give you poison.” Churchill: “If I were your husband I would take it.”

infinite_dwarf

18 years ago

Rett

I (unfortunately for these purposes, but fortunately for me) can't relate to this poem personally, but I had a good image of a run-down fellow in a smoky bar pouring his heart out. You know it's a good work if you can draw images out of it! ~Jess K. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ~"Save the trees, wipe your ass with an owl..." ~"The grass may be greener on the other side, but it still needs to be mowed..."

Rett

18 years ago

Jess, thank you

If I managed to paint that image in your mind then I guess the poem is passable. I appreciate your reading and commenting on it. *S* Rett: Nancy Astor: “Sir, if you were my husband, I would give you poison.” Churchill: “If I were your husband I would take it.”

Kailashana

18 years ago

I can’t say I can exactly

I can't say I can exactly relate.. but I can relate this memory It was a club...and two best friends.. were dancers.. sitting at the bar between shows. ... A nineteen year old with two crocodile tears running down her face.. her best friend, a few years older (and wiser) laughing and saying one day you'll remember this day and you'll smile cause it will be a good memory. It is and was. Now again. thanks Rett...the bartender today. ;-) My friend, Roberta died the following year. Anna

Rett

18 years ago

Thank you Anna

Thank you for reading and commenting. I am sorry about your friend though, but she will live on as long as you and others remember her. Just lay your money on the bar and I'll listen. ;^) Rett: Beer is now cheaper than gas. Drink, don't drive.

RSScheerer

18 years ago

Aren’t these the lyrics to

Aren't these the lyrics to about a million country songs? LOL Just kidding! You did a nice job with this one. I like the rhyme and you definitely managed to put that bartender right in front of me. ~ Ronda

Rett

18 years ago

Thanks Ronda

Yeah, actually about 27 million and counting. I know, I've listened to most of them. *LOL* I've even wrote a few that my oldest boy loved to sing when he would be playing with his band. His band was an alternate rock band with very heavy music and lyrics, then he would toss one of those out and shock the heck out of them. Anyway, if you liked it then I must have done my job. Thanks so much. Rett: Beer is now cheaper than gas. Drink, don't drive.

Candlewitch

18 years ago

Rett

Yup, sounds like lyrics to me too. And a good job of it you have done with bringing the story to life. I bet I've seen more than a few of those smokey bars in my younger days... but that was another time and another life. Always, Cat

Rett

18 years ago

Thanks Cat

I saw a lot of them in my younger days. Luckily I grew up. *LOL* Plus found the right lady to share my life. I am glad that I was successful in bringing it to life and I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment. It means a lot. Rett: Whenever I meet and Atheist I think of...nothing at all.

tbeaudet

18 years ago

I'm glad those days are over

but I wouldn't change them for the world. It's all part of the journey, my friend. Nice work, as always.

Rett

18 years ago

Thanks a lot Tom

Yep, everything we have been through becomes the sum total of who we are. I wouldn't change a thing, except finishing school. I would do that! *L* Rett: "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." Winston Churchill

porkchop

18 years ago

let's drink to that!

I like how you did the rhymes. It can easily be read and understand. Though there's no sense of mystery there, you brought it to life. Good job!

Rett

18 years ago

Thank you porkchop

I appreciate you reading and commenting. If it was easily understood and it brought it to life for you then I did it right. Muchas Gracias! Rett: "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." Winston Churchill

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