Just Before the Lampshade (Assembly Rooms Edinburgh 2004)

I bought you a drink
you gave me a wink
a kiss on the cheek

You smelt of a late night train
to Paris
on route
from god knows where

I watched you weave
like a muted trumpet
about to go off the rails
a Fran?ois Truffaut outtake maybe
seeing the light of day
on this arch night
of the hot blades

You were vamped
tight dressed
crushed black
giving me
a leering attack
or a sustained break
of the heart

My eyes bloodshot
like a New York sailor
on shore leave
after months
with the bends

If I did not know you better
I'd say 'behave'

But I do
and all I can feel

I love you baby