Houston Person – Goodness! (1969) 

Barry’s Cafe was the kinda place that catered to a local crowd. You could always be assured of three essentials: cheap drinks, strong pours, and a good time. The atmosphere? Light, good-natured and friendly. Barry’s was a unique place. A local joint with live music, pool tables and people from all walks-of-life; neighborhood down-and-outers, street-workers, local business-types… everyone was welcome and enjoyed the hot soul-jazz, blues or R&B pouring into the streets on a Friday or Saturday night. 

Barry’s Cafe was owned by ‘Moss’, and he also worked as the chief bartender. Old Moss was a sort of local guru, a kind of loan-shark / psychologist and reliable for advise on any topic. Of course, most inquiries were for financial issues – Moss always helped a local who needed an extra $50 or $100 before the next payday. 

Sally Rose Smith was Moss’s Girlfriend – 37 with 2 kids, streetwise, handsome with a quick temper and a big, full heart. Sally Rose loved Moss. She worked at Barry’s on the weekend as a waitress or bartender, but she dreamed of selling the old bar and getting out. It was their only major disagreement. See… Moss could never sell Barry’s Cafe. He felt that the neighborhood needed him – and he needed them. It was his sense of worth. His sense of value.

When Sally Rose walked into Barry’s for her regular shift that Friday night, she was prepared to push Moss to make a final choice.  A choice old Moss could never make without regret.  Life is full of difficult situations.  And difficult choices. I guess all we can do is focus on the positive, Sally Rose loved Moss. And Moss loved Sally. I sure hope things work out for them.

by Shawn Ciavattone