Glasses are half empty
sent sliding down the bar
as they clink together
a tip put in the jar

Mood is ever changing
as people come & go
to have a laugh & cheer
& see the crowded show

Broken hearts everywhere
just lying on the floor
mine just left with you
walking out the door

If I had only known
exactly what you think
perhaps I would have waited
to order up a drink

Instead, I gulped it down
& chased you with a shot
it sizzles all the way
my insides burning hot

I'm really not a lush
can handle what I sip
except for in the words
that cursed those pretty lips

I'd like another kiss
I'd really like to know
I guess not meant to be
it seems you had to go

I might just be here waiting
but then again,
  ...might not
cuz' unlike this here drink
my heart ...
  it can't be bought.

Cherie Nolan © 2016

she feels so alone
even with her family at home

maybe that's why she loves books
hey, at least she isn't a crook

she feels connected to the words
she wishes she could fly to them like a bird

the characters have become her best friends
they make her not want to reach the end

they make her feel special
she knows the feeling isn't artificial

she wishes they could last forever
reality's response to that is "never"

there is a connection between the books and she
from real life, they allow her to flee