Bartender by Byron Hoot

She was 33 looked 23 and had

an attitude that might, possibly, 
put her in a church pew singing
hymns nodding agreement 
with the minister but in her heart
whispering,  "It ain't so." remembering 
another lifetime where experience taught 
what sermons never could about
where we are, how we got here
and the simple Yes or No
of salvation or damnation. 
                                         I bought a beer
I didn't need because she asked 
and I've a soft spot for beauty 
that goes deep.
                           Paid my tab and left.

Byron Hoot was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, lived there until he went to college – a twelve year excursion.  Now he lives in northwestern Pennsylvania. . .  still in Appalachia.

            He has recently had poems in The Watershed Journal, Tobeco Literary Arts Journal, on www.northsouthappal.com./appalachian-literature.html. and in Pennessence.  He is a co-founder of The Tamarack Writers (1974) and The Fernwood Writers Retreat (2019).  Proprietor of Hootnhowlpoetry.com.