learning proper ways of speaking
to a drunk man on the street
is a journey of measured seeking
of the rhythm in his off beat

the low-bass screaming is quite common
as a show of fearful rage
trying to impress a swaying woman
without having to engage

friday night, i'm wearing sweat pants
walking laundry in the parking lot
two big drunk guys give me a glance
and i raise them with a big smile and a nod