Helsinki en Hiver

Helsinki en Hiver

Never one to argue about taste,

I can't fault drunk Finns dancing on tables to

John Denver's "Thank God I'm A Country Boy"

In midsummer.

The hotels here have curtains thick as lead

To block out the sun in June,

But there's no need for curtains

In gloaming winter.

My pint glass is empty,

My shot glass wants more grain.

Mind is racing faster than a Lapland husky,

I noodle on staying here for good.

I kick myself for waiting, but

She's chastened me for trying, so many times, so

I order another round, and

Speak French to a stranger.

- December, 2018