Nightmare at the Elks Lodge

they waltz beneath chinese lanterns
 the fool's gold moon weaves a beveled glass shawl
 that wraps them in wardrobes
 of checkerboard patterns
 while the heavenly hostess serves them
 highballs and coleslaw
 my dear young dead lovers and old flings
 gone on to your rest
 dance on blue danube sky ways to sweet dreams
 and stop all these mad, end all these sad last requests
 (last request of the night)
 last requests
 (the party is over now)
 last requests...
 balloons are sad and deflated
 the dancing feet tired and numb
 the banners and lights have all faded
 the party is over and done
 and angels, they tap at the windows
 their taxis are parked at the curb
 and safely back home they will take you
 if you would just say the word
 say the word
 they embrace on the crumbling verandah
 the smoke and the spotlight cling like cobwebbed kisses
 to wilting corsages and musty bandanas
 dust covered dishes
 and skeleton wishes
 now she floats through the walls and the steamers
 her hair gathers moonlight, confetti and stardust
 she escapes from the holdouts
 the has-beens and dreamers
 the cold hopeless lust, the termites and rust
 m.c.: "tea dance, ladies and gentleman, last request"
 they waltz beneath chinese lanterns