Free Song of the Silent Snow by Hubert Selby Jr. Page B

the dark as in daylight, having spent so many hours, and having made so many trips, from where he was to the stairs that led to the street. Faint light from the street lamp near the top of the stairs cast a slanted shadow across the sidewalk and he stood at the top of the stairs for a moment, blinking, looking around, seeing lights on in most of the houses and feeling secure that there was still time to have fun.
    He rotated his shoulders a few times as if loosening them up from heavy work, or getting ready for it, then started walking down the street, his pace quickening as he felt steadier on his feet.
    Kelly was squinting slightly as he spoke to Harry, One thing you cant do is let a broad break ya balls - everyone was nodding -Thats right man. Ya gotta keepem in their place or they/ll shove it in and break it off.
    Yeah, yeah, I know man - they were all unsteady on their feet and leaned heavily against the bar for support while trying to look nonchalant - gettin laid aint worth all that bullshit.
    Ya goddamn right. Ya gotta letem know whos the fuckin boss - they were nodding wisely - hey, I aint bullshittin man - I know man. Im right withya Larry - they start comin on with that, do it my way or else, bullshit an ya gotta givem their walkin papers.
    Hey, right on man. Take it from me, ya either slapem down or cutem loose.
    Harry straightened as much as possible while still supporting himself on the bar and looking cool, Hey, I tolder where to shove her bullshit - shaking his head - I dont understand why shes runnin these fuckin games down all of a sudden.
    O man, you know how these fuckin broads are, shes probably ballin some other cat but wants to keep you around in case it dont work out - they all nodded very wisely.
    Yeah, thats their schtick man.
    Well, I/ll tellya one thing - grabbing his crotch - this is one pair a balls she aint gonna put no strings around, or any other broad!
    Hey!
    Right on!
    They all laughed and poked each other on the shoulder and finished their beers and banged their glasses on the bar for Bob. Their laughter quickly dropped to faint chuckling as Mikey no legs came into the bar, stopped just inside the door and looked around.
    Mike was feeling pretty good by the time he pushed the door open. The rest had refreshed him and the wine he drank before leaving his cellar had revitalized him. He was in the mood for fun, and did not notice that there was a sudden and prolonged decrease in laughter and conversation immediately he entered, the juke box suddenly seeming very loud. He smiled and walked to the bar and waved at Bob who started gingerly toward him, watching Mikes eyes for any hint of trouble. Whatta ya say Bob, giveus a beer, eh? Bob smiled and relaxed when he realized Mike knew who he was and seemed to be alright. He put the beer in front of Mike, smiling, picking up the proper change. Wally been in tonight?
    Bob looked at him for a moment, having been behind the bar when Mike had been in earlier in the evening and broke Wallys thumb. He had seen Mike crazy drunk many times and knew he never remembered what happened so he just shrugged, He was in earlier but left.
    Yeah? Who was he with?
    I dont know - shrugging - maybe Matt and Artie.
    Mike nodded and Bob went to the other end of the bar and the men resumed their previous conversations, the laughter growing in volume and the juke box receding to its proper place. The tension continued to decrease, rapidly, as Mike drank his beer He looked around and noticed Harry and the others and smiled at them and picked up his glass and walked toward them.
    They were leery of drinking with Mike after what had happened earlier that evening. O shit, no legs is coming over.
    Thats okay Ron, just cool it.
    He looks pretty straight, maybe he slept it off.
    I fuckin well hope so, I dont need anymore shit tonight.
    Whatta ya say guys, whats goin on?
    Eh - shrugging - you know Mike.
    Same ol thing. The Mets lost again.
    No shit? Krist, whats with those guys? I