Too many roads for miles around
pass by places steep and wild
where in my youth I might be found.
Back then these hills seemed tame and mild.

Sometimes I'll stop at such a place
and think of times I spent in there
back when I had a strong sure pace
and young legs took me everywhere.

On That steep ridge long years ago
as dusk defeated a long day
an owl's flaring dive startled me so
I decided to be on my way.

Little cocktail girl on the stage
Spotlight on your perfection
Hiding with make up your age
Men whistle in heat for intersection

Slow, sensual, dirty saxophone in agony
Stained your lips, in blood pursed song
A song of spite in bluesy key,
Anger for he who did you wrong

Men hush up in immaculate silence
As you wish curse, and hex, and violence
Girls like you should be unbroken
You let him have it, stab him, choke him

my body shook, bones literally rattled,
i had never heard such loud music before.
i leapt upstairs to come back for more
and lights flashed. a crowd of bodies writhed.
ava stopped me from dancing with too-drunk girl,
and my head spun. i couldn't remember
who had put the cotton balls in my ears
or when they got there
but i remembered them cheering when i sang karaoke.
i remembered hands on my hips
and smiling just to smile because
there were people like me, and lots of them.

A fire broke out in her bones in her soul
and glittered like the black wall coal
diamond hard, the family traits
inherited her fathers hate

Riding in the old oak growth a saddle
supple her youth so bold
an old service revolver her skill
fast..a steady hold

Long tresses of midnight would fly in haste
"that girl's tainted" said those of the faith
but none would spare their pointed tongues
they'd seen the work with knife and gun