Midnight at Hustle Zoo

A hop and a skip and a stone's throw away
sits the table of the drinking men
their fat cigars glow red in the lamplight
another notch on their belts
another win for the pot
another night at the casino drinking beer.
Dancing girls in skimpy spangly dresses
in pinch-toe shoes and painted faces
they smile and wink and wave
another dollar for the bank
another penny for the pauper
another night at the casino feeling false.
Neon lights flash flagrant colours
declaring for the world
the money to be had if only they play
another game just the one
another gamble- just a chance
another night at the casino hunting coins.
Slot machines click and the singer bows again
sighing realizing her life is fake
wishing she was somewhere else
another wistful dream wasted
another wish tattered and torn
another night at the casino dying slow.
The man behind the bar
is swaying to the muzak
wondering at the way the people move
another clock chime strikes midnight
another night will soon be dawn
another night at the casino hustle zoo.