End of bars

end of the bar
the dim hanging lights
the made-up ladies
the labored composure 
a semblance

this music may be relaxed
but it can happen at any time
I've seen movies

the beams fall
the fires burst
some die
us here now 
are the only ones left

stuck in this barroom
for our short traumatic remainders

we oughta practice being real 
while the lights are still on
and the taps are flowing