“Gimme another.”
No siree, says he.
Refused service- tossed out
stumbling to the door
grabbing for the knob
missing
hitting glass
hurting knuckles
reaching again
seeing double
finding the knob
grasping cold brass
pulling open the door
hitting his head.
Neon sign blinking
door slamming into his ass
red sign burning his eyes
stabbing into his inner brain
giving him a headache.
Hand to eyes
blocking light.
Hand to mouth
blocking burp, vomit.
Stumbling back to the wall
until the shakes pass.
Stumbling to the car
fumbling for keys.
Neon sign – goes out
comes back on
reflecting off chrome.
Almost finding keys
flesh on metal
then metal on metal ringing out
causing the headache to blossom.
Door screeches open
stomach heaving
leaning against the car
one hand on cold glass
one on heavy warm gut.
Feeling passes
stumbles into car
try to start it
giving up.
Reclining seat
passing out.
Explain to wife in the morning.
