Bar Time

Table of circles
marks the passing drinks,
passing time


more than ashtrays
which women take
as they get full.


Reflections from neon,
brighter rings for
newer drinks,


beer signs add color
to a dim, ill-lighted place
of standing circles.


Fuck bar towels anyway.
Dry ringlets tell me
how long.


                  published in For the Love of Death, the early years, 2nd ed., S.I.N., 1993.