COCKTAIL HOUR by Russell Dupont

At 4, I stop what I call, “my work”
and go downstairs, realizing
that I have not spoken
to another human all day.

A number of conversations
begin between the cat and me,
all one-sided, with me
providing questions and answers.

And what do I have to show
for the day but these words
spilled on this page in silence
while real life goes on outside

this tight room where, each day,
I fumble to create photos and
prints, paintings and poems,
absent from the world’s clamor.

Now, a dram of honey dissolved
in a few teaspoons of hot water,
ice to the top of the glass
and then the whiskey.

Bourbon, Rye, Scotch,
I am not choosey. Finally,
a toast to the day’s work
and to the quiet that envelops me.

Russell Dupont is the author of two novels: KING & TRAIN and WAITING FOR THE TURK. He is also the author of four chapbooks: UP IN WISCONSIN: TRAVELS WITH KINSLEY; THERE IS NO DAM NOW AT RICHFORD; and two books of poetry: WINTER, 1948 and ESTABLISHING HOME PLATE. His poetry has been published in various literary magazines, including The Albatross, The Anthology of South Shore Poets, Re-Side, Oddball, JerryJazzMusician, Adelaide Literary Magazine; and his story, “The Corner,” appears in the anthology STREETS OF ECHOES. His journalism has appeared in The Dorchester Community News, The Melrose Free Press and The Patriot Ledger. 

His novel, Waiting for the Turk was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Books 2019 Award.

He is also a photographer, painter and printmaker whose works have been widely exhibited and are in public and private collections, including The Boston Public Library; Brigham and Women’s Hospital; and The Dana Farber Cancer Institute.