Long Way Down — And Like Old Times

AND LIKE OLD TIMES

Uncle Mark

came to his side like a brother,

pulled the extra cig,

the one tucked behind his ear,

handed it to

my father, chest heaving.

Eyes on me,

he threw the cig in his mouth.

Buck took his cue.

I backed into a corner,

wished this

stupid elevator would get to L ,

for this whole

thing to hurry up and be done.

Buck struck

a match and the elevator came

to a stop.