Ol’ Red had been managing reception for over 10 years
A battle hardened ginger Tom cat, he’d lost his right ear in a circa 2016 brawl
But you should’ve seen the other guy

Joyce handed out keys and handled the money
But she knew and everyone else knew who was boss of the motel

Lounging in a torn up Naugahyde swivel chair that he used as both bed and scratching post he surveyed the scene

(photo by Rosie Lindsey)

The bell rang and Ol’ Red saw that trucker Dave was at the window
A six pack of Bud under his arm, he pushed 2 20s in the slot that smelled like grease and gasoline
Red knew that within the hour a frizzy haired blonde calling herself DeeLight would visit Dave
But she never stayed long

Later that hood rat reeking of weed showed up again
Wassup Red he called through the window, pulling the blunt from behind his ear
Grinning at Red with a gold tooth shining
Joyce shook a finger and hollered, I don’t want the law out here again
Laughing he took his key
Red figured the law would be here right about 3 AM

Ol’ Red was the judgmental type so when Doris showed up with another black eye he hissed
Would that woman never learn?
Teary red eyes and
Looking for a place to hide from her man until he sobered up
Joyce gave her a room for free

Ol’ Red couldn’t sleep
Thumping sounds from every room
Headboard banging
Bass line rapping
Fists pound a wall in despair

Well Red, Joyce called to him, let’s call it a night
He stretched and suffered a pat on the head as
She switched on the No Vacancy sign