Poetry Wednesday 143

“Between the Devil & Her”

                Everything is proceeding as expected, going well

                Worrying that something comes to ruin it and it all goes to hell

                Coming to my senses and know we’re together, naturally

                She’s the better half to me, an angel actually

                And I’m all that stands between the devil and her

                We will make it through, passing thru fire and smoke

                Maybe we’re a little worse for the wear, but we couldn’t be broke

                Pursued her like the hounds of heaven, hoping I’d be her choice

                Lucky to wake up every morning to hear her voice

                And I’m all that stands between the devil and her

                Our love is the song deep in my heart

                Praying it never ends, I wouldn’t know how to make a new start

                And I’m all that stands between the devil and her

                Down a winding road we are bound to travel

                Three cords are better than one—ties that won’t unravel

                And I’m all that stands between the devil and her

© Ryan Stroud 2021

Poetry Wednesday 142

“Cocktail”

                Feeling happier as my thirst is satisfied with a rich spirited drink

                Ready for bed, have a nightcap before I my unconscious time to think

                Doesn’t matter the liquor—tequila, rum, wine, vodka, or whiskey

                Wish I had a good girl that missed me

                Building myself and my drink up, thinking I’ll use a rocks glass

                Have a whole list to choose from, learned them in my bartending class

                You’d like something different, how about a highball?

                Sure Collins, you want something that reminds that you’re fairly tall

                Margaritas and Daiquiris are Latin inspired, but like a Whiskey Sour

                Wag your finger at me ma’am like I’m a wild dog

                Not as impaired as you might suppose, I’m not in a fog

                I enjoy them any time, but I look forward to Happy Hour

                Beer may be what Joe has most days after working their job

                Habits may be mixed up like my drink, but I’m part of the hustlin’ mob

© Ryan Stroud 2021

Poetry Wednesday 141

“On St. Patrick’s Day”

The luck of the Irish

Avoid getting a pinch

Need some green I wish

Even if just an inch

Look like a leprechaun

Short and close to the ground

Greened up like a spring lawn

Feast on corned beef by the pound

Dance along the rain/bow

Follow to its end—Gold

Pride of Eire today’s show

Everyone’s Gailge I’m told

© Ryan Stroud 2021

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Poetry Wednesday 140

“Land Lines”

Land line telephones

Corded and traditional

Original calls

© Ryan Stroud 2021

Poetry Wednesday 139

“Wine Glasses”

                Every morning I open my dresser and see your ring

                Finally stopped feeling sad, now I barely feel a thing

                Never been so lonesome I couldn’t even cry

                Emptied of emotion, but I really had to try

                Better off without you I see it now, and I’m getting stronger

                Learned to trust my thoughts and care for myself as time gets longer

                Rocked my world from the first time you kissed me

                A strong jolt I felt in my mind, but dangerous like whiskey

                Need a miracle for my watery eyes to be changed with each glass of wine

                Going to get some sleep tonight, hoping I’m done with overthinking

                Drove me mad, until I realized who you were, after another night of drinking

                Seeing the world now through rosé-colored glasses; I’ll be fine

              My bed has an open spot, saved for the girl that I’ve been waiting and hopin’

For the right time, got a bottle I’ve been saving and waiting to open

© Ryan Stroud 2021