The bar

Catalogue poem of some common images at a gay bar

The bar


hugs exchanged when friends show up

cute guy working bar back in a white tee

placing an order for a whiskey sour

freedom—being surrounded by men who want the same thing

blonde moonie selling white carnations

empty space around the dykes

trying to compliment somebody on his shirt

reflections on the water of the floor of the bathroom

primping in front of the mirror

scent of poppers

smiles shared

cautious head nods by the aloof

clink of glasses on small tables

cigarette smoke pirouetting into a cloud

high pitched laughter

star of the evening—ultra hot—unattainable

another drink

dance floor quickly filling up when YMCA comes on

fog flowing onto the floor

disco ball and flashing strobe lights

arms in the air

feet moving to the beat

hips thrusting enticingly

tight tight blue jeans that bulge in the right place

rivulets of sweat coursing down the temples of your face

segues to new songs

hot guys dancing without a shirt

kissing in the corners

hump ump thump of the bass that you feel rather than hear

glitter cascading down

d.j. suddenly announcing last call

disappointment at the end of the illusion of freedom

blast of fresh air

ringing in the ears

cold reality of four slashed tires