[David Callin]

Here we go again,
just a couple of old guys
on a mild Friday night out,

two tranquil husbands
unleashed with little risk. We
won't get up to much.

What are we having?
Two pints please, if not John Smiths
or local Yokells,

some exotic guest -
Frisky Housemaid, Witch's Fart
or Satan's Squitters.

We'll find a corner,
beyond the gaudy patter
of the fruit machine,

for conversation,
remaking the weeks we've had
in our own image.

Making it better,
my mother used to call it,
kissing where it hurt,

and that's what this is -
the healing balm and boost
of beer and sympathy.