Drunks they may be, but a drunken man knows not fear.
Fools, aye, but a fool can kill a king.
Rats, that too, but a thousand rats can bring down a bear.
– George R.R. Martin, Dangerous Women
This ain’t Jack-in-the-Box
and aren’t we glad.
***
First thing I did when I got out.
The Log Cabin in Carlton, Oregon
population seven hundred,
sells thirty-four thousand well-cooked
burgers a year.
First time I walked into the joint,
jukebox was blaring
‘Down In The Boondocks.’
It’s true.
There’s a sign on the wall.
Sign says:
HOW TO LIVE ON $15 A WEEK.
Whiskey and Beer………. $8.00
Wife’s Beer………………… 1.65
Meat, Fish & Groceries… Credit
Life Insurance (Wife’s)…..0.50
Cigars………………….. 0.90
Pinochle Club……………. 0.50
Hot Tips On Horses……… 2.00
Dog Food………………… 0.60
Poker…………………. 2.50
___________________________
TOTAL……………….. $16.65
This Means Going Into Debt,
So Cut Out Wife’s Beer.
Of course, I met her here
my first night out
and aren’t we glad.
(1992)