Bear Republic Brewing

Bear Republic Brewing

was its actual name,

cold brew and hot grub

were the source of it’s fame.

Don’t get me wrong

I have no bias,

but this is the place

I left the highest.

It started with a glass

that soon grew to a mug,

from a waitress frown

she replaced it with a shrug.

Then came the onion rings

so crisp and hot,

my mouth cried in protest

because I was totally shot.

I recall a burger

at some various part,

that left me with gas

rivaling a pickled egg fart.

The grease and beer

all mixed with a flair,

the next table asked

what’s that stench in the air.

Somewhere around five

or maybe it was six,

Jack Daniel’s called me

and put my butt in a fix.

They cleared my count straws

I think it was around seven,

I couldn’t dare a guess

because my thirst was in heaven.

The ladies room is small

how I got there I really don’t know,

but a dodge, slip and fall

allowed a miss a lass did throw.

I slipped back into the bar

and froze in a trance,

someone screamed

where are his pants.

Didn’t matter so much as

there was plenty to grab,

now the lights were dimming

all turning so drab.

At that very moment

the juke box came on,

Patsy Cline singing Crazy

“hey that’s my song”.

From off in a distance

I did hear a strange noise,

Alas it was my buddies

those uniformed boys.

All dressed in blue

each sporting a tin star,

so stern and frowning

as I stood on the bar.

One reached for his cuffs

another heard my call,

he whispered to his brother

just wait - he’ll fall.

Sure enough a beer nut

and shot glass,

tripped me up

and I fell on my ass.

Patching up my pride

I called for my staff,

all of the patrons

began to loudly laugh.

I bowed and waved

a broad smile on my lips,

as I wagged my finger

“Be careful of those sips”.

Bear Republic Brewing

was its actual name,

cold brew and hot grub

were the source of it’s fame.

Gary R. Cramer

January 22, 2015 BTW It never happened.

I've slept with an angel.

There once was a lady

we were friends from the start,

we joined our two lips

and she invaded my heart.

Such a grand moment

I just can't forget,

I bless the day

the two of us met.

She's more than a friend

sometimes more like a sister,

but something else looms

with longings as I miss her.

Some years later

I took a destined trip,

and a dream came true

as we joined at the hip.

I can still hear the sound

of her enchanted giggle,

and the cute little way

her body would wiggle.

It's a memory in my mind

that will never fade,

when I'm at my lowest

her vision will invade.

But with all these things

we shared in our past,

it's the touching of our souls

that I will treasure to last.

From here and now to

lives shared in the past,

I know that our love

for each other will last.

There's been highs and lows

in my life but all is well,

because I know that

I've slept with an angel.

Gary Cramer

October 24, 2011

From Deep In The Night

From deep in the night

I did rapidly awaken,

an old familiar voice

that left me shaken.

From so long ago

giving sage advice,

too often I ignored

more than once or twice.

Never a doubt

it was on my side,

but why this reaction

with an urge to hide.

What is the message

with words unclear,

it’s barely audible

a whisper in my ear.

Why has this come

at a time like this,

maybe a lost path

missing a warm kiss.

When will it end

how did it start,

a message so true

“listen to your heart”.

Cannot stop moving

forward progress a must,

don’t doubt the future

you have to trust.

All of my life

I’ve spent in search,

all too often

I’m left in a lurch.

I wasn’t greedy

not looking for gold,

something more precious

a lady to hold.

Not always solo

not always alone,

but in between

my soul would moan.

During those times

when I’d reach out my hand,

together walking a beach

foot prints in the sand.

Places we shared

happily we went,

now life is empty

my soul feeling spent.

For far too long

I’ve given up hope,

no longer searching

on a slippery slope.

I must persevere

I must keep trying,

regardless of my age

feeling like I’m dying.

But there it is

again in my ear,

“listen to your heart”

there’s nothing to fear.

Gary R. Cramer

February 28, 2022