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