as I sat in the bar across from the lobby of my hotel

as I sat in that bar

as I sat, one leg lifted and one leg not, upon my stool

as I drank a glass of ice wine very smooth

as I remarked it was sweet and clear

as I drank and drank some more

as my tab grew

as I imagined the world coming in twos

as my head spun and dropped to the floor

as I was disgraced and didn't care anymore

as I was disgraced by the dirt on the floor

as I felt the arms of a not gentle soul

as I was lifted and pushed out the door of the bar

I heard the word

or I thought I heard neigh

as I, who was dizzy with fear and dismay

wondered who would ever say neigh while I lay on the floor

while I felt the grit and the dust and a lump in my throat

the word neigh was repeated

neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh

while I was a lump

while I lay, while I lay


� 2004 by Tara Birch