The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Party Humidity

outside, it was raining
as it was inside 

drinks spilling onto the floor
from incessantly topped-up glasses held by 
forgetting, gesticulating hands
  
spittle flying from mouths attached to people 
in love with their own voices
their little huddled audiences salivating 
over every word or the prospect 
of taking their turn as court-holder 
  
the room drooling with  
go-to anecdotes and jokes
rehearsed at a hundred parties like this one
disgorged from speech bubbles like fat storm clouds 
filling dead air with stories on life support

sudden thunderclaps of laughter
precipitating further precipitation

the floor must have been wet but thankfully 
not gleaming like the pavement twelve floors down

the rain let up outside

I slipped out onto the balcony 
and between sips of my stale beer 
gulped the laundered air
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Krutsinger Avatar
February 11, 2019 at 11:49 PM
This is hilarous! I loved this one, but especially this part: "spittle flying from mouths attached to people in love with their own voices their little huddled audiences salivating over every word or the prospect of taking their turn as court-holder" It is SO SO SO true! Well done!
Chan Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 8:56 AM
I wasn't sure if this would be all that interesting to anybody. Thank you, Caren! :))
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 11, 2019 at 8:10 PM
This is the most satiating, juicy, tickling poem I have read in a really long time. Love it. A fave. xomo ;)
Chan Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 8:50 AM
I'm flattered, Maureen. Thank you! :))
Tirrell Avatar
February 11, 2019 at 7:41 PM
I really like the use of the comparison of speech bubbles to storm clouds. It's cartoonishness emphasizes and reassures the theme of the poem. I really enjoyed it.
Chan Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 8:49 AM
Thanks a lot for your visit and kind comment, Kierns.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace