Escape

the bar empties
at 2 am
one by one
they exit

people
all different types of people
pass through the door
black, white, tan,
everyone

but one man stands out
as he exits the bar and passes by my stool
i say
“see ya later gramps”

he turns his head towards me
I look into his eyes
And see
Pain
Years and years of pain

He walks back towards me
And takes a seat
He whistles to the barmaid
And asks for another beer

He stinks of alcohol
And he’s wearing dirty clothes
“what do you want”
I ask him
He pulls his head close to mine and whispers
“I have a secret”

“my wife died about 10 years ago”
“I’m sorry” I said sympathetically
“don’t be, she was a filthy whore”
I hold back a laugh
As he continues speaking

“I haven’t fucked a woman in 12 years,
I’ve been alone for 10
My life seems like a never ending nightmare,
So please end it for me

I pulled back
In amazement
Not believing what I just heard
“I’m serious” he said,
“I was planning on doing it myself but
I think it would be more fun if you did”
“no way
you just a crazy drunk old man”
“more reasons to end my life”
he whispered as a tear slowly rolled down his face
onto the floor

he put his arm
on my shoulder
and said
“don’t end up like me
do something with your life
wake up everyday with new hope
because a new day
is a
new chance to escape
this nightmare
they call
LIFE

And he exited the door
Gun
In
hand