Phantom Pains

We lived just two blocks from the beach

In a dirt floor bungalow,

With butterflies bolted outside

The living room window.

The dog will chew up any shoe

Left lying on the front stoop.

Let the screen door slam

On your way out.

Won't be too hard to find us.

Follow the lights straight into town.

Ask anyone at all,

"Where's the Alexander hotel?"

We grew up bookends either side

Of the library parking lot.

From throwing rocks, to throwing looks,

To throwing the bouquet.

My mother she's a character,

All around her cards and gin

But watch her close, she'll teach you about

Anything to win.

We'll be finishing each other's sentences

And playing uke for pennies.

Every friday night

At the Alexander Hotel.

Charlie's worked behind the bar,

Ever since we were little kids.

He lost two fingers and an eye

In a childhood accident.

He told me once he wakes some nights

His missing fingers itching terribly.

I read somewhere that phantom pains

Never go away.

Charlie's good for a case of beer

Friday night after hours,

If you let him come along.

Stumble home in the dark.