IN THE END, IT'S JUST ME by John Grey

I could share my side 

of the argument 

with everyone in this bar 

but instead I haul it 

before the judiciary 

of my thoughts.

I could fight the battle

with all these drunken soldiers

but instead remain

this country of one

with its slumped in corner,

fingering the whiskey glass,

patriot.

I could open up

the operating theater

of my pain and guilt

to these loud and laughing surgeons

but instead I begin

the process with my own trembling hands,

lift the glass to my lips 

and drink.

No truer words out of my mouth

than, “I needed that.”

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in Sheepshead Review, Stand, Poetry Salzburg Review and Hollins Critic. Latest books, “Leaves On Pages” “Memory Outside The Head” and “Guest Of Myself” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in Ellipsis, Blueline and International Poetry Review.