Ask For No Mercy by Jennifer Lagier

Kevin has been banned
from the No Mercy Saloon.
Suspected of dealing
blow to patrons,
using the bathroom
for sloppy, quick sex
with cashless skanks
open to creative
financing options.
Regulars complain
he is bad for business,
an incurable tweaker.
The bartender had noticed
Kev’s dwindling weight,
glittery eyes,
increased agitation.
Increased drop in visits
from undercover cops,
DEA agents.
A train wreck
in progress.
Just a matter
of time
till arrested
or flatlined.

Jennifer Lagier has published ten books and in literary magazines. She taught with California Poets in the Schools, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate monthly Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Second Sunday readings. Forthcoming books: Harbingers (Blue Light Press), Scene of the Crime (Evening Street Press), Camille Abroad (FutureCycle). Website: http://jlagier.net