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David Lohrey Poem
The book was dull.
I took it with me for a walk.
Guys at "The Station"
thought I was being a jerk.
All I said was it’s hard to read in the dark.
Should have gone to "The Edge"
or "The Snit," any of the sad bars around.
I wasn't picky.
I almost got my ass kicked.
People are touchy about their looks
Especially around a guy with a book.
But his look
wasn't dull. Or so I thought. I want to paint you, man,
the young stud said,
dragging his hand in the dust.
You're a painter?
I had a paint set as a kid
but no friends to play with.
Left it in the closet
where mother threw stuff
I’d stopped using ‘til I became skilled:
Golf clubs, a fiddle, a mitt, and so on.
I never found my little brush.
Everything was fine, until my parents said
I should leave. She’d help me pack my bags
as long as I didn’t disturb my father. He
was too busy shouting
until we were old enough to know why.
He grew a beard, wore rings on every finger,
and ate napkins dipped in vinegar.
When I took off,
they sounded like I’d committed treason,
but I know they knew the reason.
I miss them every time the sun goes down
and I play pinball in my head.
Book and I’d just as well be left alone as I told them at “The Station.”
We lean on each other when I walk home.
Aren’t books funny?
Copyright © David Lohrey | Year Posted 2016
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David Lohrey Poem
I’d prefer
I’d prefer only to eat things I like.
I’d prefer to eat only in Rye.
Only I’d prefer
I’d only prefer
I’d prefer to eat things I like, like pastrami on rye.
But I’d rather die than have to dine
On a burger with wine.
Just stand in line and count til’ nine and then
You’ll learn to lie.
Only I would prefer to eat things you like
To bring to a party.
It’s partly me and then again it’s never been a part
Of me to take it to committee. When the vote comes in,
the inventory can begin.
I’m counting on the part that’s good,
the taste of tea and vinegar.
I’d prefer to eat only things I like, despite your good intentions.
Sample this and have some of that, whether I like it or not.
I’d rather have gin.
My address went something like this, and then ended
Up in Berchtesgaden.
Everyone wants a lair, only his had flair.
Six, seven, eight: who do we get to humiliate? It’s alright with me as long
As gays can marry.
I’m lonely. But I’d prefer to eat what I like, only
There is nothing left.
Pass me your plate.
I’d prefer to dine
alone.
Copyright © David Lohrey | Year Posted 2016
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David Lohrey Poem
Are you mindful of the fact that the man there in the turban
Is not a chimpanzee?
I know this because that man is me.
If you close your eyes, you’d never guess my race.
My nails are the color of blood and my nose has been known to run,
But Heaven knows I don’t bite. We came to have fun.
I’m on my best behavior. Don’t you worry.
Please give me a chance. We don’t eat with our hands.
I just dropped in to savor the goods.
Learning how to speak is part of the game, but
Could you please give me your name?
It could be Smith or Smythe. How can one know?
Let me say this: it’s a joy to be laughed at.
My name is not easy, but please do
say it right and without making faces.
We’ll stay out of your way.
I’m not blocking the aisle.
We’ve been standing here for only a while.
Our turbans aren’t glass,
So there’s nothing to break.
But for your sake, we’ll put them away in the car.
So long? Good bye?
No cause to get jumpy. Your voice grows angry.
Okay, all right. We’ll stay no longer.
As you stroll through the park
Why not see our cousins the apes?
Wave so they’ll know we are all friends.
Copyright © David Lohrey | Year Posted 2016
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