rural wisconsin

a tavern a store a church

incorporated

at the local bar

all the regulars are there

solving world problems

at the last call inn

the old timers all talking

dice box slams the bar

in wisconsin

old duffers beer and brandy

juke box and polkas

up north at the bar

with their own stool – their own stein 

camaraderie

at the local bar

all the drinkers are mumbling

who bought the last round

after the laughter

irony walks in and grins

orders a double

Gary Busha is an editor, writer, and publisher with a master’s degree from UW-Eau Claire. These poems are taken from The Old Timers (Wolfsong Pubs., Sturtevant, WI 2022). To see more of Gary’s work look here. To learn more and to purchase his books, visit garycbusha.wordpress.com.