Two out of three ain't bad.

Lonely are the people who wasted love and friendship.

Two out of three ain't bad.










I was sitting alone in a Austin tavern in 1996.
Drinking long Island ice teas.
Trying to get blinded.

A old man dressed poorly ordered a water.
Bartender gave him a bad look and walked away.
I told the bartender.

"Give the old man what he wants."

The old man smiled.

Told the bartender.

"Same as my new friend."

He drank the Long Island ice tea quickly.
I ordered him another.
He thanks me.
Asked me.  "Was I alright?"

I told him.
"Not too good.
But I will be fine."

He touched my back.
Told me.
"You got two out of three.
Better then most of us."

He looked outside to the cold rainy night.
Told me.
"All three are hard to hold on to.
You got the booze. Number one.
You still got the road. Number two.
You still got a lot of living left."

"The third one ain't so easy.
Love cost a lot."

I bought another round.
He raised the Long Island.
Make a cheer to life.
"To the road.
To better days.
To good booze and wine.
To sweet woman lost on the road."

He smiled and told me "I was successful once.
I had the big house.
The beautiful wife waiting for me."

"I choose the booze.
I loved the road too much.
Now I sitting with you.
Alone and wishing I held on tighter."


I looked into his sad eyes.
Asked him. "What was really important?"

He smiled.
Told me to order him a double shot of whiskey.
I ordered the whiskey.
He drank in down quickly.

He whispers "Hold on, tightly and be thankful.
If you find the sweet woman.
Who loved you.
Hold on.
Nothing as sad as a old man dying alone."

I left him.
Gave him a few dollars.
Thanks him for the advice.


I learn two out of three isn't so good.
Need someone to love and care for you.



Before it is too late.



              Coyote 


             3 July 1996   

Author's Note

A old poem.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Such an excellent conversation captured with a touch of melancholy & a bunch of friendliness! I love the way you take your time as you unfold the particulars of meeting someone in your poetic tales. I also used to do Long Island Teas to get blind. I love the 3 things you name . . . how drinking booze & being a rolling stone seem to prevent the third from being a lasting joy in one's life. So relatable! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear friend. I love your reviews.

[Poetic Beauty]

The wisdom in this poem comes in the least likely of place. In a tavern from an old man who drinks too much. Sometimes we need to not judge a book by it's cover and listen. There is wisdom and damn good wisdom from people who have lived differently than us. Those who have lived the hardest lives can have very valuable wisdom to give to us. I love the details in this poem and can picture a man sitting at a little whole in the wall bar with a man who is a little dirty and looks to be hunched over a little, thin and frail, hand shaking as he takes the drink ordered for him. Then he gives the greatest wisdom the younger man has heard in his life.

[little lily Bride of Ch..]

i love this. amazing piece and wise advise to live by.

love this line.


He whispers "Hold on, tightly and be thankful.
If you find the sweet woman.
Who loved you.
Hold on.





we don't know what have
until we have lost it if you have some one
special hold on to em tight never let go and
always let that special some one know that
you love in care for them ALWAYS.





God bless lily

[Matthew Kult]

A fantastic Poem. A very touching tale. You have a gift my friend, I thank you for sharing. Greeat write. Better read.

Regards,

Matthew

[beautiful disaster]

Life has its ups and downs and ins and outs. I am totally in love with a man who has a huge heart and an old soul. He doesnt quite know how his life will go but at the same time neither do I. wherever him and I go he will always have my heart and I will never forget him. I love him. Love may be lost sometimes but it is never forgotten by any means

[Fran Marie]

a most inspiring piece so well penned and deeply expressed~

Well donE!!

[Robert]

this is a sad and heart warming poem at the same time, the old man being the wise man that you meet in times of trouble. its very inspireing as well gives you a sense to live life to the fullest and that love is really whats important. once again you have done an amazing job

Robert

[Ruth]

Sometimes, we need to appreciate what it is that we have! lol
This is a beautifully written poem sweet :)
There is always a sense of yearning and wisdom in your work love, I adore it!
xx

[The Water Queen]

very beautiful.
love your poems very inspirational and thoughtful.
Great job!

[Maria]

that is really beautiful i loce all your poems:)