came

with the bottle

if i sat in a corner

pretending to read

the paper

people would

leave me alone

sitting quiet

not wanting to leave

go home

& it might be sunshine

out the door

but i’d tell myself

expecting rain

best to stay here

a little while

before it’d be time

catch that train

go back where

they let me in

if grudgingly

might throw a plate

no conversation

no casual inquiry

on working late

get myself in my room

tv or music low

counting days & money

until i could

blow through

get myself gone