Xmas Eve 1961

XMAS EVE 1961

Five teenaged lads late on Christmas Eve,
quit playing cards and took their leave.
Got into a car and off we drove
to a hamburger joint with a greasy stove.

After a bowl of chili, one got sick.
The owner yelled out and three left quick.
After he messed the bathroom sink and floor,
I carried the fifth out the back alley door.

The police were waiting when we hit the curb,
booked for underage drinking in their little burb.
They put us in a klink called the Homewood jail,
the accommodations had a bible for those who fail.

They turned out the lights and the locks went klank,
tried looking around but the cells were dark and dank.
There wasn’t a mattress on the steel strapped bunks,
we resigned ourselves to our increasing mental funks.

No one tried to be brave; no one tried to be proud,
time for soul searching and we began crying out loud.
Our demeanor changed after that minor crime,
not one of us in 50 yrs has done anymore time. 


For the BEHIND BARS BLUES contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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

Fraser Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Fine entry John with an image oozing from your words of quite a few of us having been in this situation. Nice one :)
Brown Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Congratulations on your win in Randa's "Behind Bars Blues" contest John. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Tough way to learn a lesson, John, but apparently you and your friends did learn from this experience. Well told in rhyme! Congratulations on your success. Love, Carolyn
Johnson Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 10:55 AM
A sad Christmas Eve but maybe it was worth it. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Congrats John on your HM in the contest for this wonderful write .. an amazing piece ..enjoy honor with luv..
Mehta Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM
My congratulations on the win in the contest of miranda, John
Brown Avatar
May 26, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I am sitting here reading some very amazing poems today John. I am glad yours was among them. Have a wonderful day full of love and joy. Love, Carol
Konos Avatar
May 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Indeed a fine write! Good Kid...today police would not take notice...and if they did wouldn't care if it were time for them to get off.....Times change but good poets never do! thanks ...good poet...
A   Avatar
May 26, 2011 at 9:25 AM
John, a fine entry tough situation... the best of luck in the contest,..p.d.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace