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Superman on Vacation 

by Brian Robertson
 


In the bar
amidst odors tough
for those with a
normal sense of smell
sat Clark
on his thirteenth
beer
not tipsy in the least

(never seen a guy
drink that much that
fast and stay on the
stool)

Playing the jukebox
best of the Eagles
volume 2
loud

(christ, is he deaf?)

Hasn't read a paper
in a week
especially
the daily planet

At home
his television is on
ESPN
only sports
so he doesn’t have to see
the news
and hear about
bridges collapsing
super villains
on a rampage
children trapped
in drainage pipes
lost dogs
hostage situations
pipe bombs
road rage
approaching
comets
armed robberies
domestic violence

And the jukebox
plays George Jones
and the music
almost drowns out
the voice of Lois
calling now
calling
from the alligator's jaws
or from whatever
the hell mess
she's gotten herself
into this time

He belches
and the cash register
moves a full inch

(christ, did you see that?)

No one notices
he hasn't shaved
for a week

He orders another
beer
and says
make it
something from
Germany
this time

He digs around
in his pocket
for another
pair of
quarters

The song's
almost over





Brian Robertson has published in various magazines and anthologies over the past 25 years. His latest book is Little Blues Book (Algonquin) done with the infamous R. Crumb. He has worked for two decades as a professional storyteller and as a blues player, performing in Austin and at festivals throughout Texas. His new book of poems, Rider, will be published this summer.









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