A Quick Benison to the Sundry at the Bar

(loquacity being our chief fault)

The day is late as you well know
and I must soon be on my way
Tomorrow's pains will soon be now
a fact of life we can't allay.

Forget the past weeks pecadillos
the sturm und drang of life
And briefly rest in this night's laurels
ignoring last night's strife.

Besotted louts across the hall
stare pleas beneath the tumblers
"Kindly please do not disturb
our atavistic slumber."

Sly ladies perched upon the bar
pick up your noses from your plonk
You'd do much better with a man
to satisfy your want.

Blithe lads with quick and eager glances
in search of this night's tryst
Don't overplay a hurried hand
I'd like to wish you best of luck.

The moon shall wane, the sun will rise
And in the hollow of your heart
The ache will fade but still abide
You've made of emptiness and art.

Let's drink our sorrows, drink them down
A toast and then we're through
With hops and malt I bid you all
Vertiginous adieu.