when I lived in England

wherever I was living at the time

I always had a local pub

one where the bartenders were like friends

they knew all about me and what drinks I liked

pouring my favorite drink as I walked in the door

picking up the conversation we had from last time

it was almost like an extended family

no matter what the weather was like outside

no matter what political drama was going on in the country

no matter if my team was winning or losing in the Premier league

no matter if I came in straight from work or late at night

no matter if I came in alone or with a friend or lover

no matter if I had not been in for many months

no matter if I came in for a quick drink or a long session

no matter if I just had a drink or ordered a meal

no matter if I was tired and grumpy or refreshed and happy

no matter what day of the week it was

as soon as I walked in that pub

it was business as usual

the beer always tasted wonderful

and the conversations were great