Oh good - Aubade

I wake again, the sky still ash
Mostly soft, not quite the weight of lead
seen at five a.m; that god awful flash
of knowing there is nothing when dead

Here inside a room, trying to recall
if sleep or darkness shapes it all
Whiskey breath eats away my face
Oh good! Aubade… finally shows a trace

The afterlife sleeps in, it always does 
Woken up in the usual way
Another drink, a top-up buzz
Lifts my spirits, just above dismay

I fumble around with unopened post
Get dressed, eat flakes, feeling like toast
Hope and despair make a meagre pact:
That life bears fruit, and breakfast lacked

I breathe, then sniff, try steady a hand
light a smoke, or slap on a patch
Gesture defiance, attempt to stand
brave it out past the hallway latch

Go search, or not, for what comes after
opt in, opt out, call on the pastor
Who's high as a kite on altar wine,
“There's nothing” he sobs, “or do you bring a sign?”
His eyes light up, as I offer him a line
And you know! that day turned out just fine.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Anaya Avatar
July 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
I looked up Larkins Abuade It contrasts the mundane routine of daily life with the looming, as does yours as well as Bukowski like, dark humor. Faving this perfection. Cheers
Kavanagh  Avatar
July 21, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Heya Anaya, it was always my intention to bring Larkin’s Aubade into this piece, but I decided to just get past the day at hand, rather than dwell on the looming, I can also see the connection to Bukowski now you’ve pointed it out, this one is for common man rather than the pretentiousness that permeates throughout society, thanks so much for commenting, and the Fave, I’m delighted with it, cheers David
Willason Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Just brilliant David...very clever echoes of Larkin filtered through a fine gauze of humour and heightened by great rhyme. Crafted with skill my friend...won't be able to read PL's weighty piece without having this one in mind. Cheers
Kavanagh  Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Of course you’re right Paul, inspired by Larkin’s Aubade masterpiece, this one is definitely not as life sapping, but carries his existential message in the guise of humour; but also added mine, to try make the most of each day; I’m so glad you enjoyed, cheers David
Rodgers Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Hello David, There’s something painfully relatable, almost tender, in how hope and despair “make a meagre pact” just to get through another day. The ending really got me: bleak, funny, and weirdly uplifting all at once. sometimes, just getting up and sharing a laugh (even a dark one) is victory enough. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel
Kavanagh  Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Heya Daniel, I agree some days people face terrible dilemmas, either keep going or throw in the towel, but anything can happen once up and about, bleak funny and weird says a lot about me lol! Glad you enjoyed this one, cheers David
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Morning David... good or bad. lol Living the zombie life doesn't sound like it would make for a lovely morning.
Kavanagh  Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Oh good! Lol!
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 4:26 AM
yes, we do. That's why I wrote good or bad lol
Kavanagh  Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Good morning Lin, life’s all relative to our state of mind on any given day, is the message here, sometimes we just have to go with the flow, and see where it leads us, even if it means walking around in a daze, (not ideal) but many do! I hope American’s pronounce Aubade the same as we do over here (oh bad) Cheers David
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