I always liked this sign. Originally it was located downtown on 10th Street where the city bus terminal is now.  It was the sign for a joint called Tiki Tap. When the building was razed the place moved to East 10th just west of 229 where it became a liquor store. The sign was moved with the business. That’s where I took this photo long ago. – C.L.
His  Wife  is  Shorter  than  his  Daughter
Sitting across
from the family dog
begging for biscuits
they smile and recite
algebraic formulas
of nature’s mysteries
as rain wets their hair
    Charles Luden • 6-30-16 at Granite City
Who Are The Comrades Drinking Rum In The Bushes?
Let me relive this moment tomorrow
Today is too soon to repeat anguish
over empty glasses
The group scatters suddenly
due to gooey mud in the hole
and bright lights to the east
A gift for you I have
a voice from the loudspeaker barks
Run!
We did
Now nothing
    Charles Luden • 9-15-16 at Granite City
  BARF  ANGEL
The night was long
too long for your stomach
to hold it all
After a kiss at 2 AM
behind the Top Hat
you heaved ho
in the parking lot
A message for the
opportunistic lover
    Charles Luden • 5-26-16 at Granite City
sick