Life In The Pub

Low cloud hugs damp close to the ground Slurred speech from a beer cost only a pound Smoke from cigarettes on the terraced street Swirled and its odour hangs around the feet Of those who indulge in that ludicrous sport, And reflect, or ponder silently in a glass of port. Of dark shadows as the dusk spreads wide As drinkers spill on the pavement outside. The sound of laughter mixed with music loud Echoes from the lounge, or snug, made proud And soft rain on the street spread with puddles, Of those with brains in disintegrating muddles Of too much drink. The shadows of parlour pubs pervade the area Of not outstanding national beauty, but drearier Abodes in indifferent streets with modest cars Parked outside married window blinds. Starved bars With few punters coming and going into the mist Of drink at the bottom of the glass, totally pissed, Before staggering home to a nagging wife Sums up the meagre story of their miserable life.