This poem is by our sister, the poet genius:

what is it about bartenders?

I’m talking about those men
who serve intimacy with a splash of reserve
who are a juxtaposition of mystery and boy-next-door
who lean in
to listen but turn away
to juggle and shake and pour

safe behind their stained-glass altars
they’re in control
if you need them for …
a refill
they may or may not notice

they are both captive and captivating
so much meaning in that expression “tending bar”
i like knowing that my husband was one
crazily, we let our daughter be one
at a biker bar in white plains ny
she was 16
a friend of mine a dancer
who teachers AP biology was one

and they all have it too
that tantalizing allure of self-confidence
that says: i have what you need
and can serve it to you just the way you like it

Mary Anker June 2011