James Babbs writes

The Doctor

after she broke my heart 

the doctor told me

there was nothing he could do 

he said no 

I can’t fix it 

it will have to heal on its own 

then he handed me some paperwork 

and told me to pay Cheryl

at the front desk on my way out 

at the front desk

Cheryl gave me a knowing smile 

I noticed her teeth were a little crooked

but she didn’t look too bad 

when I handed Cheryl my credit card

I leaned over and asked her 

does everybody know? 

Cheryl laughed 

but immediately touched my arm 

well, yes Cheryl said 

but don’t worry about it 

it’s okay 

when I left the doctor’s office

I drove straight to the bar 

Lou I said as I sat down 

give me the strongest thing you’ve got 

and keep it coming 

an old guy sitting a couple of stools away 

looked over at me and asked 

what’s her name? 

I took the drink from Lou

and drained half of it 

before setting the glass down in front of me

I turned toward the old guy 

her name? I said

and I laughed softly 

just give me about an hour 

and I won’t fucking care

 

 Emptiness -- Ankur