Just Like McGrew’s

Place gets downright
Smoky.
Once inside the swinging doors.
Too many thighs evident
And spangles. The Girls.
Couple going upstairs already
With some Pooch.
Gold dust in hand.
His head buzzing.
Piano tunes giving “culture”.
General din of unshaven
Stinking men.
Whiskey charged.

I see Mack
At the back
Poker chips in the attack.
Last month
Tried to hoist my stake.
Shot off his left ear.
Oh dear, he’s getting up.
The big wager is now going
To be My neck.

Heck.

Honkey-tonk piano reprises
Streets of Laredo
Oh Shenandoah
South of the Border
Down Mexico way.
Guy used to perform
Down in San Fran.
Gets free room, two squares
All the smokes his habit requires
Tips, and girl’s services
Once a fortnight.
He sees it as pretty good.

B’sides there are seven warrants outstanding.
He keeps himself scarce
In the frigid North.
Assesses each husky team and kit.
For survival, or not.
Big money can be made there.
He has scored thrice.