Just a quickie

Sat between
two books read
by Bukowski.

Some people say wine
is good for you
Most people say cigarettes
is bad for you.
Having lots of both
I'm feeling fine
a little space in time
speeding up to die.

Ben returns Paul's borrowed car
to the commercial lot
next to our home
bank envelope in hand
he marches to the porch couch
to slunk
and count his money.

"I think thats close
to half of it"
'260' i count
"Half exactly.
If you run short
and need to borrow more
let me know."
"Okay, I've got it pretty well
budgeted."
He slips his envelope under
the bill of his cap
labeled "over 40 and naughty"
it sticks out
against the sweat of his brow
and he goes crosseyed
and pokes his tongue.

"Want some wine?"
"Sure. Wine and
cigarettes
go well
together."

A produce truck fulfills its order
at the diner next door.
The driver aknowledges
our presence
unloading
Jake, the punk rock cook
stands to recieve
and we come over
wine cups toting
turning into Jake's
personal coffee.
"Non-chuggable red," he says.
Chugs well
anyways,
Ben asks,
"How's it going?"

"Fine."
smiling with teeth
already stained.
"I was
Jonesing.
You know
its Friday..."
smiles again
passes them back.
"I'm about ready for a cigarette," someone says.
Last words from
Jake. 
He and the order.

Ice cream trucks
drive by playing
music despite
commercial buildings
lighthearted and
perfect
for wine 
for cigarettes.