Smoke drifted from the ashtray on the edge of the piano

the pianist caressed the keys, eyes closed

snapping long fingers while head bobbing to the song

the vivacious woman, swaying, smiled and hummed along

The tall stranger watched darkly from across the way

growing angrier with every nimble chord

'til with carefully concentrated steps he crossed the room

and drunkenly joined her toxic sphere of perfume

Then leaning down with a threatening whisper,

he grabbed the piano player's neck, and said,

'You could shtop that Honky Tinky trash, and maybe,

get back to my requesht for Melancholy Baby'