---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Just a Few Butterflies” Down in the Dirt, v193 (the 3/22 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology The Ice that Was the Down in the Dirt Jan.-April 2022 issues collection book		get the 420 page Jan.-April 2022 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Closing Time at the Venus Lounge

John L. Stanizzi

It’s 2.15 a.m., closing time.
No one in the joint but us.
Wendy has put her clothes on
and is seated at the far end of the bar
counting her singles
and eating a burger.

I’m on the pinball machine
next to the wooden 12 X 12 stage,
eighteen inches high.
Marky is wailing along
with Hot Blooded as he watches me play.
Doc is tossing stools up onto the bar.

Billy and Large are waiting by the door.
Billy is buttoning up his pea coat,
Large is taking a long haul
off the pint of Black Velvet
he keeps in his inside pocket.

Golden, the bouncer implores,
Alla you get the fuck outta here.
C’mon, man. Closing time!

Tommy bounces out of the men’s room
zipping up his fly.
What’s goin’ out here, men?

You’re leaving, shouts Golden,
as my father raises both arms above his head,
six beers, 3 between the fingers
on each of his meaty hands,
and announces,
Nobody’s leaving, Golden Boy,
Nobody’s leaving ‘til we finish
these fucking beers,

and Golden shakes his head,
smiles at my old man,
and takes a seat on his stool by the door.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...