Benny Sat Alone by John Tustin

 

benny sat alone
as wind shook the frame of night
and benny drank his beer
by the light of the hallway
 
benny sat alone
and the children were knifing one another
in the neck beyond his walls
and benny drank his beer
and closed his eyes
 
benny sat alone
as the earth was plundered
and benny drank his beer
listening to the music
he has liked since high school
 
benny sat alone
as men moved mountains
as men murdered millions
and benny drank his beer
thinking of fucking his sister in law
 
benny sat alone
and benny drank his beer
 
his fingers and toes
were warm and numb
and he put down his book
went to lie next to one
he didn’t love
 
to sleep like he always did

***

John Tustin’s poetry has appeared in many disparate literary journals since 2009. His first poetry collection from Cajun Mutt Press is now available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6W2YZDP . fritzware.com/johntustinpoetry contains links to his published poetry online.