"We Listened to Poetry"

By Camincha

HOW IT USED TO BE THEN,
when we listened to poetry

She's been told it’s a bar and
“every one smokes” It’s OK
She said Smoking don't bother me
Actually she likes smokers Finds them
friendly They offer her their
table to sit at Treat her like
a long lost friend while they
suck the nicotine while they watch
the smoke rise to the ceiling while
We listened to poetry

Across from her perched on a bar stool
along with the tired skeptical
regulars an unkempt old man his clothes
matching the bar walls ceiling floor
in dust and aroma digs in his nose
with right hand index finger while
wrinkling his forehead trying to
concentrate The regular from the now
defunct The Owl and the Monkey Cafe
friendly readings warmly squeezes her
hand tight We listened to poetry

Sitting to her right the poetess who
just read with a most sensuous voice sips
her Heineken as she folds fliers that
announce a Dancing Poetry Festival
We listened to poetry

The poet from the currently in vogue
Yakety Yak Cafe promises to publish her
She enjoys the thought appreciates the
warmth the connecting the continuity
Each time they turn a city corner
walk into a restaurant library bookstore
café bar We listened to poetry.

Camincha is a pen name for a California-based writer. The San Francisco Bay Guardian praises her work saying: “Camincha frames the ordinary in a way that makes it extraordinary, and that is real talent.” Visit Camincha's website to read more of her writing!