Now Uncle Bud was thought to be a ‘good man’, who knew his demons by their first names.
He occasionally fell prey to the temptations and call of Whiskey, Beer, Women and Dice.
 
He was considered to be a snazzy gentleman, with cigarettes rolled in the sleeve of his white cotton tee shirt.
His hair perfectly styled in a pompadour and held in place with a little Brylcreem, the scent of Old Spice on his skin.
 
He provided well for his family, food, shelter, clothing and mostly love.
The three women folks at home satisfied for the most part in their lives.
 
There were times, dark times, that demon would appear and call for Bud to follow,
He knew he must answer that call, his will power could not be victorious.
 
Fleeing into the smoke-filled rooms, where twangy music blared, and strange women could be found.
The drink quieted the demon that tormented his  mind and soul, the rest distractions from his sin.
 
Father was always elected, to be the one who visited the Beer Gardens in search of Bud.
Once found, his mind numb and quieted, happily home he returned.
 
Bud never caused trouble, that we know of. The Police or strange woman never came knocking.
He committed his ‘sins’ as needed and returned home after.
 
He fled the big city eventually, taking his wife, the children now grown.
Returning to ‘God’s Country’ in the southern show me state.
 
Roy Richard
June 2024