Tag Archives: alcohol

Trying to devise a metaphor as unique as you

Posted on 2025-10-20 by Bartholomew Barker

You are the onion ring in my basket of fries. A gold finch among sparrows. You are Moët et Chandon in a case of Thunderbird. The supernova blazing in a night sky of mere twinkling stars.

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Fraiku: Donate

Posted on 2025-09-12 by Bartholomew Barker

Every eight weeks I conjure blood from wine one pint at a time Tomorrow morning, I’ll be making my bimonthly donation at the American Red Cross. If you’ve received a transfusion of A+ blood and felt a little tipsy afterwards, … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Closing Time

Posted on 2023-10-25 by Bartholomew Barker

Final chord settling Into velvet-draped walls Dancers safely back stage False dawn at 2 a.m. As lights undim They say you don’t have to go home But you can’t stay here I sit in my cold car Windows down Exhaling … Continue reading →

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How to Make Applejack

Posted on 2023-10-23 by Bartholomew Barker

On this moonless October night I sneak into Farmer Greg’s orchard the sour sweet odor of rotting apples the squish under my boot He and his musket should be asleep but the hounds might catch my frightful scent I load … Continue reading →

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Wine into Wisdom (reprise)

Posted on 2023-10-18 by Bartholomew Barker

Wine clings to the sideAs I slowly twirl the glassWatching colored stage lightsBounce off Merlot Through the haze I realizeI am the wineClinging to thatWhich confines me Living in the glassGradually sinkingIn this pool of liquidThat used to support me … Continue reading →

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Driving Home

Posted on 2023-10-11 by Bartholomew Barker

Orion hangs high Watching over my shoulder In midnight autumn air Driving home from the club Windows up heater on Against new chill Music blaring singing poorly Mouth mumbling a mint Warmed by my night in Eden Reliving every smile … Continue reading →

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Tightrope

Posted on 2023-09-27 by Bartholomew Barker

One glass and I feel fog glow on my skinTwo and words flow like spring rainThree and they pour brilliantBut not in the right orderMore and I drown in the flood Somewhere between two and threeIs where I want to … Continue reading →

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Countdown

Posted on 2023-08-30 by Bartholomew Barker

Various vintagesStanding derelictOn my kitchen counterCityscape of liquorIn sundry stagesOf emptiness Between bottlesScattered portraitsOf Jackson and FranklinOnce lush greenNow disappearingAs drought drains funds Bank balanceOnce gradually growingNow slowly steadilyCounting downNot to launchBut collapse This year marks the tenth anniversary of … Continue reading →

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Fraiku: Philosophy

Posted on 2023-02-10 by Bartholomew Barker

Descartes understood words pour from a bottle I drink therefore I am Last line stolen from Bruce’s Philosphers Song.

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , | 24 Comments

An Empty Bottle of Wine

Posted on 2022-04-16 by Bartholomew Barker

For today’s prompt, write a touch poem. An Empty Bottle of Wine There’s always one more dropafter pouring the final glassfrom a bottle smooth and heavystill chilled from the fridgeas I turn it upside downover my eager mouth I don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments