Downright (or, the Spirit of C.B. at a Poetry Reading)

At a poetry reading, way back by the gate,
just left of that exit,
that's where I'd wait

but not for a poet I'm prone to forget
who rolls up his words
like limp cigarettes

then lights them up,
drags, and chokes
on the smoke.

I'm there for the someone who gets me to think,
says, "Hey, bud, look up
from the edge of your drink,"

and makes me wake up - I hear this or die -
and says it so plainly
I'm wondering why

I've wasted a weekend retooling my work
instead of just standing up there
with a smirk

and telling it like it is, no damn restraint.
Eloquence? Keep it, man.
Shakespeare we ain't.




Downright (or, the Spirit of C.B. at a Poetry Reading) © Copyright 2021, Robert J. Tiess.

View this poem at AllPoetry.com

Charles Bukowski Quote Inspiration (number 25; genius being able to say profound things simply) prompt - link: https://allpoetry.com/contest/2770658-Yes---Another-Contest-About-That-Man-Charle
Submitted: February 1, 2021









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