A.J. Walker

writerer

Serenity

Serenity

A large grizzled man, with a cracked slab face,
awkwardly hunched, trying
to shrink,
to hide.

Oppressive heat breaks into
electricity,
while acid words spit from his foul mouth.
An angry drunk, crackling like thunder,
railing against injustices
piled heavy on his shoulders over hard years.

Another drink.
Bravado.
Challenging what friends he has
to take it. To accept
him.
Anger.
Another drink.
Challenging his body to take it.
A sudden punch; bloody knuckles.
A dent in the wall,
the world now more damaged,
pock marked.
Closer to him.
But he feels no better.

A life full, involved,
but endured not enjoyed.
How he knew he would welcome,
the soft serenity of death.