NEW DAY

A new day staked its claim with roosters cheery.

Aloft, the crescent moon was fading fast.

By her nocturnal endless vigil weary

the barmaid sought to douse the lamp at last.

The bar was desolate and empty leering.

Just one soul in the nook, eschewing rest.

With flitting vacant gaze, deranged appearing,

his head hung heavy, in his hands depressed.

He asked her for one more, and something stronger.

“Girl, just you bear with me, till drinking’s done.

I’ve drowned my sense; I won’t be too much longer,

only my heart to beat; I’ll soon have won.”