85
Fortune’s Waltz
Fortune sits on a spinning stool
In a run-down bar
Starting on Thursdays at noon
Since nobody listens to you
More than that lonely song
On the jukebox
But unless you’re alone
Some party boy turns it off
Says here’s one for the lovers
And the lovers to be
Fortune orders another
Because they’ve seen everything
They’ve seen heartbreak and healing
Drink side by side
Might go home together tonight
Fortune wishes them the best
Whatever that is
Some nights you’re lucky
Just to get out alive
Fortune’s not Lady Luck
Don’t presume Fortune is straight
Fortune’s seen every side
Of every spit in the face
Because few love you adrift
Few love you washed up
Most smoke cigarettes
As you cough water from your lungs
Fortune spins on the stool until
Until everyone blurs
It’s the clearest of views
Where nothing’s quite sure
They’ve seen heartbreak and healing
Drink side by side
Might go home together tonight
Fortune wishes them the best
Whatever that is
Some nights you’re lucky
Just to get out alive
Some nights you’re lucky
Just to get out alive
— Lillian Finley