I’ve always preferred women
strong enough to not give the finger.
In a world of ugly cowards
and beautiful charlatans,
the dames who stroll by
with good posture,
they really got it
where it counts.

-Ron Gavalik

Strangers often ask what I do.
"Writer," I usually say, but that
**** isn’t the truth. If what we do
is defined by how we spend
the bulk of our time, then what I do
is sit in a soft chair with a stain
on the back cushion. I stare
out the window at the hillside.
Sometimes I ponder and reminisce.
Other times I don’t.

-Ron Gavalik

If you want to know
where to find the gambling,
ask a bartender.
if you want to know
where to find Jesus,
ask a prisoner.
If you want to know
where to find love,
ask yourself.

-Ron Gavalik

I sat on the porch
in my underwear
around the time the neighbors
drove home from their jobs.
I smoked an acid 60 gauge
and sipped bourbon
from the bottle. I waited
for something worthy
of my pen to happen.
It never did.

-Ron Gavalik

I loved you
until I didn’t.
That’s how it goes.
I’m sure the answers
are out there to be plucked
like cherries or heart strings,
but I have none of them.
Leaves fall. Hearts break.
Whiskey is swallowed.
That’s life.

-Ron Gavalik

You don't hate me
because I ****** you.
That's far too simple, baby.
I communed with you,
and I devoured your spirit.
From the husk that remains,
you must find wisdom
to regrow that which you were,
and know life will never be
quite the same.

-Ron Gavalik

The rain fell so hard
and so fast for so long
I'd almost forgotten the peace
of warm breezes.
Huddled in the dank corner
of madness, faith is absent.
Tranquility is but a dim memory,
a speck of light
we never even hope
to reach again.

-Ron Gavalik