The hum of the bar fridge over there

and all the bottles under the lights.

 

Tonight she left him

’cause she heard about Sara.

 

But Sara cut north and even the bartender

has gone out back to change a keg.

 

In the stillness he can suck his beer

till it’s warm and flat. He can hear

 

his heart keep beating and think

for the first time in years.

 

First published as ‘Falling #147’ in  New Writing Scotland #26.(2008), published as ‘Meditation’ in Tomorrow, We Will Live Here, 2010.