When I turned that key, the night was finally over
It wasn’t easy, they threw a few fists
Mad that the ale had dried up

Now, in the calm of being left alone
I would start with the ashes
dumping out another one of those “greatest nights ever”

As morning slowly took her place
I sat for once on a spinning stool
listening to the buzz of electricity like it was a farewell song

Just me and the ends of unfinished cigarettes
some drowned in half empty glasses
recounting stories of bravery, betrayal, and most times regret

Nights were once my domain
I was like a wrangler of saucy drunks
and disloyal eyes all bidding for my complete attention

Back then my stories were therapy
Music, a tool of enticement
friendly faces better than a tip