The door was rigged
with a wind chime,
giving forth a jingle
and a tinkle with each
coming or going.
*
The diner was a relic.
Not even the jukebox
held a hint or clue of
the 21st Century, not even
the latter part of the last.
*
Near the register, a carousel display
hawked its garish wares.
Keychains dangled.
Postcards, slightly mangled,
featured sandcastles, dolphins.
*
From the Wurlitzer, the voices
of the Statler Brothers proclaimed
“I’ll go to my grave
Loving you, loving you.”
Yes, very soon, very soon.
*
I had not touched my coffee.
It sat cold like your blood,
that dark, crimson flood.
*
The waitress looked, but I did not,
when flashing lights and sirens
announced the arrival of my end.
About the Creator
Randy Baker
Poet, author, essayist.
My Vocal "Top Stories":
* The Breakers Motel * 7 * Holding On * Til Death Do Us Part * The Fisherman
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from Randy Baker and writers in Poets and other communities.
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler5 days ago in Interview
Comments (5)
Like so many others I love the line about the coffee! This had a great flow and aside from that line, many other stunning lines. Nice work on this one, Randy!
The imagery on this one Randy is stellar!!! So glad it found its way from you to the page!!! Fav line is "I had not touched my coffee. It sat cold like your blood-"
I was completely hooked by that wonderful start! "I had not touched my coffee. It sat cold like your blood, that dark, crimson flood." This was my absolute favourite stanza. That comparison is superb! Super impactful ending to an awesome poem!
Oh dear!
Amazing poem for Poppy's prompt!! Good luck on the challenge!🥰