I crack a joke with the bartender Kiss a woman Shrug my shirt off Clap my friend’s back Nothing matters

Whiskey warm in my throat My brain fuzzy My smile permanent My phone buzzing in my pocket Perhaps my wife is texting me _Nothing matters _

I kiss the woman’s throat Push away the looming darkness Take another gulp and hope That the warmth will return _Nothing matters _

I am indestructible I am euphoric _I am happy _

Night has swept the people away I stumble out into the street Laughing at everything and nothing The lamppost lights An oldie song playing nearby My own stupidly red face

A flash of headlights A car horn Then I see red