Too Much Time in Chinatown

Meet me in the alley near Lei Po's Lounge
we'll wait for action and sit around
in smoke filled rooms far underground
in Chinatown.

The China girls are everywhere
with smiling eyes and raven hair
happy endings can't compare
in Chinatown.

The China men give puzzled stares
and wonder what you're doing there
white devils are not welcome here
in Chinatown.

Hiding out in Buddhas bar
enlightenment in little jars
when the funeral passes I'll be a star
in Chinatown.

The old drunks all seem wise to me
I bet they talk philosophy
and speak of how things used to be
in Chinatown.

Full moon in the midnight air
grandma's swaying silver hair
Tai Chi dancing on the square
in Chinatown.

Ancient secrets gagged and bound
for me there'll be no answers found
the city's mystic heart lives down
in Chinatown.

Chinatown, San Francisco, CA, May 12 & 14, 2014


Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press