The Bartenders

           South Shore Tiki Lounge, Kihei, Maui   2017

They’re in a tight spot alright --

Steph turned one way, Ray the other.

their hips touching; their hair in each other’s face.

a tender, intimate pat as they pass.

a bartenders’ dance.

Steph moves effortlessly, flawlessly forward, pulling the silver opener

from her back pocket, flipping it smooth as any gunslinger.

The top pops off and the opener flies back into her pocket.

Never touching the sides.

And all this time, Ray keeps up the patter.

Where you from? Oh yeah? Really? That sucks. That’s awesome. Wow.

Another one, hon?

Cash you out, sweetie?

Leaning in across the bar

They make eye contact just enough to create the illusion

that there could be something.

That you might be the one.

Then sliding away to serve the next one.

Man   Woman   Old   Young   Rich   Poor   

Doesn’t matter.

Always knowing

that the bar is the bright line.