another round boys
be it whiskey or beer;
or that fine keg of sherry
in the tunnels below.

pour it out; fill it up
guzzle it down in a gulp.
no pain only sweet numbness
filling my aches and my head.

i’m old and i’m lonely;
wearing my cap and my bells.
everywhere that I stumble
dull ringing above in my ears.

this barrel still loves me;
brick me in with the wine.
i’ll tell no more secrets
i’ll hear no more lies.

concrete and mortar make
chill solid comfort
truth is this hollow shell
enfolds all that i am.