Bar Fight by Dan Provost'

The stare down is
often worse than any
punches being thrown.

Two assholes, stumbling…screaming
ready to throw down over a
obscure 1994 baseball stat.

Daring each other to throw
the first blow.

When drunk #1 finally tries
to get physical with rummy #2

Arms will wildly flail
—finding air instead
of someone’s jaw.

Many times, I have chuckled
over these events--
While sitting quietly in
my corner of the world.

Witnessing idiots who think
they have the ability of Ali after
15 beers.

Asking the bartender to
get me another, I
feel oddly privileged
having front row seats
to a performance that
has the entertainment value
of a Shemp Howard skit.

When the “combatants” are
ushered out—and order, for the
moment is restored in drunk land—

I see some hag throw a
shot of whiskey into some
jowly, puffy faced guy.

The yelling stars. Panic
at the pub again.

I close my eyes,
smile and get

ready for the next preliminary
bout to begin. 

 Dan Provost's poetry has been published throughout the small press for a number of years.  Some recent publications include: Ariel Chart, Poetical Review, Merak Magazine, Oddball Magazine, Deuce Coupe, Misfit Magazine, the Rye Whiskey Review, Cajun Mutt Press and the Dope Fiend Daily.  He has two books coming out in 2020.  Under the Influence of Nothingness by Kung Fu Treachery Press and Rattle of a Realizer, published by Whiskey City Press.  He lives in Berlin, New Hampshire with his wife Laura and dog Bella.