one last drink

2 weeks ago by @cphaurckker

Liner Notes

saw mention of a place I occasionally drank and listened to local bands in the 90s, the Coal Hole in Shamokin, PA, is being demolished in favor of new real estate.

As with most places in that part of the world, the site itself had a rich history that most people were unaware of. That's where I tend to come in.

No idea what this sounds like yet; but I'll find something appropriate.

Lyrics

from wilted tracts of poison sumac
and clouds of choking coal dust
a manufactory arose, milling silk
amidst the rust

for more than fifty years
it spun soft fabrics near the mines
but as comes to pass with all things
it fell to hard times

But the structure was reborn
as a five-storey grand hotel
though it served for only three years
before the arsonists' farewell

The worst in the city's history
the smoke and flame, they claimed nine lives
consumed but for the ground floor
the structure yet survives

The ghosts of ages past
underlie the feelings and emotions
revelers oblivious to the significance
of their weekend night devotions
as the patrons drink their Genesee
the place's rich and tragic legacy
makes the stories told here
all the more unique

the plans for grand new Walnut Towers
fell to overzealous ambition
but once more from the burned ashes
grew a different tradition

The remaining walls became a venue
where musicians plied their trade
folks came from all across the region
to hear the songs they played

thirty years of hard rock covers
the words of overlooked songwriters
backdrop to requiems and celebrations
as the game of life transpires

today the wrecking balls met drywall
the Coal Hole fell to modern progress
talk of new lofts and restaurants
letting go of past regrets

The ghosts of ages past
underlie the feelings and emotions
revelers oblivious to the significance
of their weekend night devotions
where the patrons drank their Genesee
those with sharp eyes just might see
spirits of maids, spinners and bartenders
gather there for one last drink

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