Happy Days Are Here Again

When the party is over

guests begin to leave

balloons have all been popped

gin has lost its fizz

strawberry ice cream drips

while music of the dance

dances in my head.

Fading flowers wilt and droop

blood red roses slowly blanch,

restless blackbirds cackle and scatter

flying south in a violet sky.

Intoxicated chatter fills the air

a mirage of cherished palaver

as instant friendships vanish

under a cold-eyed moon.

--Milt Ehrlich