solo

one by one they stagger in

the regulars at this spot

most are older men

all visiting this spot

solo one by one

they take their seats

as if they planned it this way

coming here solo

only to sit with others

in the room doing the same thing

all seeming so desolate so low

none of them speak

except one who can’t help it

and his desolation conversation

is being documented separately

so low in their seats two chairs

left then one

waiting for anyone who

wishes to speak

or spare the time

for a smile and they won’t

feel so alone

solo only for the moment

no longer so low

in some pit of despair

where these other lonely

souls hang no gallows or clotheslines

just empty tables now

barely even used by the solo offender

again only assumption

never seen them with anyone

only solo dancing in seated position

and if the paintings could talk

he would listen…