Two poets
Based on Act 1 of the Harold Pinter Play “No Man’s Land”
Dan Johnson
© October, 2011

Two poets meet on a summer night in London
     One poet, rich, famous, lives the good life.
     The other poet, is a near do well, always a second place finisher, never a winner.

Both poets are lost in the swirling sacraments of alcohol while drinking
at Jack Straw’s Pub where they are slowly sipping their way to oblivion.

     Rich poet says, “I say, let’s take our drinking to my home where we can continue our discussion.”
     Near do well poet says, “Discuss what?” then after emptying his glass continues, “Onward then, perhaps we will see if our paths converge.”

Each poet holds secrets buried deeply from the past, secrets they are keeping from the other.

     Rich poet says, “Would you mind pouring the whiskey?”
     Poor man says, “How do you like it?”
     Rich man retorts, “As it is”
     Poor man smirks, “As it is?”
     Rich man roars, “As it is!”

Drinks are poured and poured again, and As it is is the sum total of discussion,

     Both poets sit in silence waiting for the first person to speak.
     Glasses clink while poets sink into fitful slumber.

     The play is done, the actors gone the curtain has come down…but         somehow I wonder if one of those poets lost in No Man’s Land, could be me?