Far from the Avenue of Bars

I remember the night I met you
We sat on the porch and smoked cigarettes
I asked you about music
We understood each other right then

Today, thinking of you, I remember that life can be war
Unrelenting
Crueler than humans one by one
It’s an onslaught, unforgiving
You knew despair, you told me
You were a songwriter

Look at me today
Believing I found a way out
I think I climbed far from the avenue of bars
Discovered a deeper glass than whiskey
An answer for the warfare of daily defeat
I want to tell you

I remember you as the piano man
Like Billy Joel, I told you
Familiar face at the bar, melody maker
Company to the misery ordering on a Wednesday
Kind and beaten down, what a script life handed you

Hard knocks despite so many lovers
At every turn, a set back
Thanks for always making me feel beautiful
Thanks for always holding your sorrow in plain view
Wasn’t even a shield
Just a badge that wore you down

Life took your shine
The overwhelm of everything
I want to ask why, but I know, my friend
I understand
And I’m sorry
You deserved better

I know you looked for an answer
But the devil just kept looking for you