Drinking with Saints. By Bill Gainer

Half a quart of bourbon

or whatever they call it

these days.

I can do it in a night

still be comfortable

with who I am.

Maybe lie

a little bit.

Maybe not.

It’s my time.

I never asked

anybody

to talk.

There are secrets

to tell.

How much ugly

we got.

A lot.

What else are they

going to take?

Sooner or later –

it all.

Tonight

I’m drinking

fuck it.

You want to talk

get loud.

Otherwise, kiss the saints

ask them

him or her

to forgive the interruption.

Me – leave me 

to the bourbon.

Bill Gainer is a storyteller, a humorist, an award winning poet, and a maker of mysterious things. He earned his BA from St. Mary’s College and his MPA from the University of San Francisco. He is the publisher of the PEN Award winning R. L. Crow Publications and is the ongoing host of Red Alice’s Poetry Emporium (Sacramento, CA). Gainer is internationally published and known across the country for giving legendary fun filled performances. His latest book is The Mysterious Book of old Man Poems. Visit him in his books, at his personal appearances, or at his website: billgainer.com.