I checked into a bargain-priced room on Lacienica,
gazed out through the curtains at the parking lot.
walked down to the corner store just before nightfall in my bare feet,
black tarry asphalt soft and hot.
And when i came back i spread out my supplies on the counter by the sink,
looked myself right in the eyes:
St. Joseph's baby aspirin, Bartles and James, and you or your memory.
I ducked behind the drapes when i saw the moon begin to rise,
gathered in my loose ends, switched on the lights;
and down there in the dark i could see the real truth about me,
as clear as day,
Lord if i make it through tonight
then i will mend my ways and walk the straight path to the end of my days:
St Joseph's baby aspirin, Bartles & James, and you or your memory.
Artist: Cold Cave
Artist: Art Pepper
Artist: Shirley Horn