Inspiration in Awkward Places (for Raymond Carver)

Make use of the things around you.

The drunk English professor

at the end of the notched oak bar.

The screaming child

and the crying young mother.

The shrill wail of the phone

at three in the morning.

The wanton lover

void of all love.

The pawning of trinkets

for just one more round.

The hissing whispers drifting

from the couple at the next table.

The empty creak of the plaster walls

in the house at night.

Put it all in.

Make use.

(c) Elvira Berezowsky