Ticker Tape Charade Poem by L. K. Thayer

The no vacancy sign
on the motel
flashes it’s neon smile.
I walk to the corner
on cobblestone hopscotch
bricks with depression inlay.
Counting my steps
and feeling out of sync
with my ebb and flow
and the low life I’m leading.
Leading downstairs
to the bar stool,
the ones that swivel
and turn in or turn away
or can turn you around
and I hear
“Tell It Like It Is”
on the juke box.
I want to. I want to call him.
But I can’t.
Cause that’s how I set it up,
like a game
of pool, chalk the stick
and miss the shot.
Dime a dance girl
One trick pony,
phonies approaching you.
How could you? How could I let you
lead Mr. song and dance man?
With all your ticker tape charade
and tap shoe parade
tapping into the
meat of my matter.
My cancer
was easier to beat.