I would choose Mickey’s Tavern in Perth, New York. I would choose the simpler times of days gone by.
Mickey’s was owned and operated by my Aunt Tessie and Uncle Mickey between 1949 and 2000. If I could truly be there right now, I would want it to be just after dark, when the neon lights glowed warm and red in the windows and soft lighting emanated from the shelves behind the bar. The jukebox would be playing, its music occasionally over trodden by laughter or the sound of colliding billiard balls.
My Uncle Mickey would be behind the bar, serving beer and drinks, talking with his regulars, occasionally looking up at the TV. My Aunt Tessie would be upstairs, reading a book in her living room. Not far away, my Grandmother Victoria would be quietly rocking in her chair, softly humming a tune to herself, closing the day the way it began -- peacefully. With her eyes closed, as if in sleep, she traverses the many years of her life, selecting a special time and place from all that she has seen and done... a memory, perhaps of my Grandfather Alexander whom passed when I was but four years old, coming gently into her mind.
Arriving through the tavern front door would be my Cousin Alan, ready to take over running the tavern for the evening; his lovable (and huge) dog “Troubles” tagging along not far behind.
My Mom and Dad would be there too, sitting in a booth, discussing the latest events, the ever present cup of coffee in front of my mother and a glass of Genesee in front of my father.. and both of them smiling. It would make me happy to see them relaxing together once again.
That’s where I would choose to be… if I could be anywhere (and any time). For these people I speak of, like the tavern, are all gone from me… for many years now… and not a day goes by that I do not think of each one of them.
