Rum Barrels (7th April 2022)

Barrel-toed flights from saucy nighttime spots

of Scoundrels dens where hens and cocks cluck and stagger

'gainst the mist light by candle-dark.

Thrums of chair-scraped bounding to assist

in the dark, the warmth, the familial glow

of tavern light

She worked the bar, and well she toiled

Her presence there kept all well-oiled

from Scoundrels to villains, and loners to molly-daggered business acquaintances

She treated all with the contempt they deserved

Her beauty bringing them back to the bar to try again

in tavern light

Gravy poured they drowned their souls

and sat in corners, by ingle-nook

Respited here amongst the salty-knuckled sailors and shipwrights

Passing the hour or waiting for a job

Scratching the itch of boredom when you're down

in tavern light

There's no bell here - as night becomes dawn they slip away

Or sleep away, liquor dependent. 

of Cows and Spoons and Moons they dream

Sleeping soundly in mother tavern's arms

Waking not much but to thank the serving girl in whispers dim

in tavern light