a moment in time

the poet danced at darkhorse inn

consuming whiskey, beer and gin

the barkeep found a napkin stained

with ink in a constant refrain

 

“i raise my glass and make a toast

my grave is empty is my boast

the end will come i know not when

so drink your whiskey, beer and gin”

 

the barkeep later framed those words

although the ink was slightly blurred

the poet died as we all will

but every night the barkeep still

tells everybody to recite

the words the poet wrote that night

                            

***