Living on Chocolate and Beer
By Stuart Flavell
Chekhov when he travelled
visited cemeteries, tent circuses
and comical plays.
You when you travel survive
on chocolate, beer and dark
glasses half full.
Chekhov was growing thin on only
rice grains of love and doomed closeness
to a singing, faraway actress.
You when on stage kiss the
air and move audiences as when
you held the offered hands.
Chekhov died dreaming of pale
decently dressed women while
awaiting the actress’s return.
I cannot travel so remain here
living with silly wings on my head
reading Chekhov plays and waiting
While you travel on chocolate and beer.