to apologize

desperate character
reading between the lines
in a tiny motel room
under beer belly signs
cigarette blowing drifting smoke
battered ash tray lid
by an large open window
former neighborhood kid
and whisky bottle sat
one wrinkled hand holding on
just off-center but still certain
it'd be there come dawn
still words upon the paper
written from a hollow eye
across the hall more laughter
followed by a silent cry
the feeling was sharp and stabbed
the light while the whiskey was fine
and in turn stabbed the memories
of another distinct place and time
before the old age and sore muscles
the death of friends and compromise
and evasion and the weariness of truth
clean sheets wrap and harmonize
all complaints fall asleep, some die
a reluctant death, but i
need to apologize to you
for what i failed to do.