FAWM 3: Speakeasy Magick

For Cassandra Khaw

Speakeasy Magick
Secret delight
Sneak in the back room
It’s only at night

And the boys pick your pockets
But the girls are in charge
There’s a man at the piano
His heart like a forge

There’s a devil at the table
And he’s flirting in French
There’s a geezer at the microphone
Whose jokes make you cringe

And I’m not supposed to say it
I’m not supposed to tell
About the coins, the cards, the rubber bands
Their neck tattoos, their clever hands
Their secret rings and all those things
That makes us clap until we bleed
That makes us laugh because we need
A world that still has magic

Speakeasy Magick
Prosecco’s on me
We lean in and laugh the same
My hand on his knee

And the waiter’s adorable
Their hair up in knots
They haven’t slept for seven nights
They’re ready to plotz

And this night is for wonders
For tricks quick as light
A handkerchief becomes a dove
A dozen doves take flight

And I’m not supposed to say it
I’m not supposed to tell
About the coins, the cards, the rubber bands
Their neck tattoos, their clever hands
Their secret rings and all those things
That makes us clap until we bleed
That makes us laugh because we need
A world that still has magic