Two out of three. It isn't bad.

Edit a very old poem.

Two out of three. It isn't bad.

I was sitting alone in an Austin tavern in 1996.
Drinking the long Island ice teas.
Trying to get blinded.

An 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 smiles, and he told the bartender.

Same as my new friend.

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

I told him.
Not too good, but I will be fine.

He touched my back and he 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 isn’t so easy.
Love cost a lot.”

I bought another round. and 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 and
I loved the road too much.
Now I am sitting with you.
Alone and wishing I held on tighter to one good thing.

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

He smiled and he 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 and be thankful.
If you find the sweet woman. Who loved you.
Hold on with all your life.
Nothing as sad as an old man dying alone.

I left him and I gave him a few dollars.
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

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Thomas W Case]

This hits like weathered wisdom handed over in a dimly lit bar—bitter, honest, and unflinching.
The two out of three truth lingers; you feel that loneliness and longing in every line.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you, Thomas for reading and the comment. I was lucky and I listen. Now a filled life. Five grandchildren.

[Betty Hermelee]

very. lovely tale my friend; i think it’s better to have three out of three or at least strive for it…. irs more complete and you’ll be a mor satisfied person…. the old man was right…..
Warmly, B🌷

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you, dear Betty. Most of us learn the hard way. I appreciate the comment.

[Betty Hermelee]

Always a pleasure John!
Warmly, B

[Soren]

A lovely story of kindness, charity, wisdom and karma. This story is applicable to all but few learn it. So well written Coyote this is one of my favorites of yours

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you, Soren. I appreciate the comment my friend.

[Soren]

You are most welcome

[red93]

Fabulous Coyote - full of hard-earned Wisdom. Drink and the road - you relate some profound Truths with this narrative. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you, my friend. I learn the hard way. But I did learn. Thank you for reading and the comment.