PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

by Jeph Johnson

Every time I take the 19

to the bar to sing karaoke
I'm reminded...

reminded how
I don't have a car,
but reminded more,
as I unavoidably pass
her place of employment,
of her lips
speaking my name
through her smile.

Every time I take the 20
up to Denny's to write all night
I'm reminded...

I pass her apartment,
as the bus chugs alongside
a whirling street cleaner.
I look up and her light is on
in my ears
her smiling lips are
bragging about her
Garbage Pail Kids.

Every time I take the 15
I circumnavigate both her work
and her third-story window
but find myself
walking an extra
couple of blocks
to get to the bar

while I walk
in my mind
I'm reminded
I see her lips
but they are closed
and her smile is gone