A Look That Needed No Words

Neon Buzzed the Whole Evening

Waiter Knew the Order by Heart

Glass Rings on Old Wood

Fog Pressed Against the Window

Jukebox Skipped, Nobody Complained

Empty Stool at the Corner

Door Opened, Nobody Looked Up

Coat Still Damp, Tab Still Open

Bartender Heard the Whole Story

One More Poured Without Asking

Piano Bench Worn Down the Middle

Musician Played Like Nobody Owed Him

House Band Played Past Midnight

Lamp Above the Bar, Nothing Else

Kept the Same Stool Since Tuesday

Ventilation Fan, Slow Rotation

Trumpet Player Never Introduced Himself

Saxophone Leaned Against the Wall All Night

Rain Drove Three More Inside

Quarter Past Nobody Checked

Good Bar Never Needs Advertising

Floor Absorbed Forty Years of Music

Every Regular in Their Usual Spot

Dozen Conversations, None Remembered

Checked His Watch, Ordered Anyway

Jazz Ran Longer Than Agreed

Ice Bucket Empty by Ten

He Paid Before the Song Ended

Upright Bass Filled the Low End