50 years ago I watched the girls
shake it and strip
at The Burbank and The Follies
and it was very sad
and very dramatic
as the light turned from green to
purple to pink
and the music was loud and 
vibrant,
now I sit here tonight
smoking and 
listening to classical
music
but I still remember some of 
their names: Darlene, Candy, Jeanette
and Rosalie.
Rosalie was the 
best, she knew how,
and we twisted in our seats and
made sounds
as Rosalie brought magic
to the lonely
so long ago.

now Rosalie
either so very old or 
so quiet under the 
earth, 
this is the pimple-faced 
kid
who lied about his 
age
just to watch
you.

you were good, Rosalie
in 1935,
good enough to remember 
now
when the light is 
yellow 
and the nights are
slow.