Private Dancer

This poem is dedicated to Christine Macdonald whose life story inspired theses words.

together with friends
sometimes alone
he visits the building
holds promises
visions of beauty
his all alone

pay at the door
cover they say
begrudgingly one does
boom of the bass
quickens his pulse
familiar song
favorite tune
sets the mood
unsaid by burly
look don't touch

wanders in
darkened room
lights from stage
focal point
eyes adjust
drink is brought
table sought
eyes search
for the one

makes him feel good
warm inside
at what cost
everything
he has
always the same
game is on
pretend she cares
all is revealed
all that she has
enticing enchanting
moth to a flame
drawn he is
morning after
alone again
head pounding
wallet empty
vows never ever
will be back

started young
legal she was
pushing drinks
wondering would
she could she
money an issue
week to week
pick the path
devil in details
if only for awhile
keep it business
not personal

made her debut
a night
to remember
soon to forget
three song set
tips would come
tried to act
done before
screw up courage
dance like others
finished with money
good job honey
cruise the tables
mine them for more
lap or table
make them pay

too many married
made her wonder
another transaction
business deal
a guy comes in
asking for her
laughter dance
money exchanges hands
she is gone
looking
for someone else

how long
can this go on
just to get ahead
always tired
energy needed
do a line
forbidden fruit
not so young
time passes by

change ones life
what to do
income different
can't survive
time to move on
younger ones
alway at the door
ones self critical
still pretty maybe
always tired
long for more

no white knight
none to rescue
not looking
personal choice
whats it gonna be
tina said it right
dance while looking
at the wall