PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

It used to be a mini tradition—

part of the March madness trek

to Allman Brothers gigs at the Beacon.

Get off Jersey Transit at Newark

and ride the PATH train to Christopher ST.

The original Blind Tiger Ale House

was an institution and a tradition.

We’d usually get to Blind Tiger

around noonish, early afternoon

thirsting for brewskis.

They also had free bagels

with a variety of spreads.

It was free brunch

a garlic bagel with jalapeno cream cheese

would hit the spot.

There was a young bus boy employee

who brought out the food and cleaned up.

He could barely speak English.

He was from rural Mexico

we learned since one of the crew

could speak a little Spanish.

Flash forward a couple years

I’m at the new Blind Tiger on Bleecker

on a busy evening rapping with the bartender

He recognizes me but for the life of me

I can’t recognize him.

After a brief chat I learn

he’s the busboy

that didn’t know much English—

now tending bar

& speaking fluent English.

He praises me & my friends.

We were always nice, said hello in Spanish;

thanked him in Spanish

and never made a big mess.

I shook his hand

at the end of my shift

on the bar stool

and left a decent tip.

It’s good to occasionally 

be reminded what

this country is supposed to be about.