the room falls silent
after the big guy smashes the
old clown in the mouth
a few customers
near the exit exit
everyone else looks to their drinks
the big guy turns round
seeking validation
he says, “I warned him”
“Aye, ye did.” says the bar room lawyer
A few concur with a nod
one
then another
pick up the loose threads
of their abruptly interrupted conversations
soon all are back talking
about whatever it was they were talking about
when the punch was thrown
peace returns to the pub
unlike several of the punters
who won’t ever go back
~
CLP 24/06/2025
Journey of Words 