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Flashback Attack

I wanted to check out
Our second choice guest house
So we went there for "Gay Brunch".
 
Funny how some subtle aspect
Of ordinarily innocuous environs
Can turn the whole place toxic.
 
Brunch was delicious
If a little over-priced.
The whole town is pricy, though.
 
The waiter was cute and efficient.
The clientele was mixed in age
And friendly in demeanor.
 
The place was well kept.
Pleasant pool, spa and sun deck.
Clothing had not yet gotten optional.
 
The place was kept cool
By large fans
With a clever misting gadget.
 
As I ate, I took in the scene
And listened to the music:
Eighties disco.
 
The selection was eclectic.
I recognized every song
As one I like to this day.
 
As I sang along
And continued to look around
I became progressively more anxious.
 
I kept flashing back
To the disco scene
While I was coming out.
 
So much insecurity
So much unpleasantness --
I thought it was all behind me.
 
Unable to focus
On the present pleasant place
I pushed for a hasty departure.
 
Later, from a high vantage point,
We looked in on the place
And saw a guest sunning naked.
 
My anxiety abated as I saw
A clothing-optional guest house
Instead of a reminder
Of hell from my past.



15 April 2002

by Bill Cattey