The Vine had no jukebox, but a real stereo continually playing tunes of alcoholic self-pity and sentimental divorce Nurse, I sobbed. She poured doubles like an angel, right up to the lip of a cocktail glass, no measuring. You have a lovely pitching arm. You had to go down on them like a hummingbird over a blossom. I saw her much later, not too many years ago, and when I smiled she seemed to believe I was making advances. But it was only that I remembered. I'll never forgot you. Your husband will beat you with an extension cord and the bus will pull away leaving you standing there in tears, but you were my mother.
In Denis Johnson's "Jesus' Son," the atmosphere at The Vine bar is described vividly, capturing a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The absence of a jukebox is replaced by a stereo that plays songs reflecting themes of despair and heartache. The bartender, referred to as a nurse, serves drinks generously, creating a comforting yet sorrowful environment for the narrator who finds solace in alcohol while grappling with memories of loss and love.
The narrator reflects on a significant woman in his life, who embodies both a source of comfort and pain. Their interaction years later reveals a misunderstanding, highlighting the past's lingering influence on present relationships. The narrative conveys a deep emotional connection to this figure, revealing a mix of affection and concern, as the narrator recalls the struggles she faced. The combination of personal memory and shared suffering paints a poignant picture of love intertwined with sorrow.
