Two out of three, isn’t bad.

Two out of three, isn’t bad…

I was sitting alone in an Austin tavern in 1996.
Drinking Long Island ice teas and
trying to get blinded.

A old man dressed poorly ordered a water.
Bartender gave him a bad look and walked away.
I told the bartender.

“Give the old man what he wants.”

The old man smiled.

Told the bartender.

Same as my new friend.

He drank the Long Island iced tea quickly.
I ordered him another and
he thanks me.
Asked me.  Was I alright?

I told him.
Not too good.
But I will be fine.

He touched my back.
Told me.
You got two out of three.
Better than most of us.

He looked outside to the cold rainy night.
Told me.
“All three are hard to hold on to.
You got the booze. Number one.
You still got the road. Number two.
You still got a lot of living left.”

“The third one ain’t so easy.
Love cost a lot.”

I bought another round.
He raised the Long Island.
Make a cheer to life.
“To the road,
to better days,
to good booze and wine.
To sweet woman lost on the road.”

He smiled and told me. I was successful once.
I had the big house and
the beautiful wife waiting for me.

I choose the booze.
I loved the road too much.
Now I sit with you.
Alone and wishing I held her tighter.

I looked into his sad eyes.
Asked him. What was really important?

He smiled.
Told me to order him a double shot of whiskey.
I ordered the whiskey and
he drank in down quickly.

He whispered to me. Hold on, tightly to kind woman and be thankful.
If you find the sweet woman.
Who loved you.
Hold on.
Nothing as sad as an old man dying alone.

I left him.
Gave him a few dollars and
thanks, him for the advice.

I learn two out of three isn’t so good.
Need someone to love and care for you.

Before it is too late.

              Coyote 

             3 July 1996