after you’ve pulled out the tablecloth with
the full plates of food
and broken the windows
and rung the bells of
idiots
and have
spoken true and terrible
words
and have
chased the mob through the
doorway—
then
comes the great and
peaceful moment: sitting alone
and
pouring that quiet drink.
the world is better without
them.
only the plants and the animals are
true comrades.
I drink to them and with
them.
they wait as I fill their
glasses.
Originally appeared in Clock Radio #2. Submitted by Charles Bukowski.