Notes About The Poem

Open All Night'

Everybody, and his brother
Stopped in, at one time, or another
Not for the greasy hash browns
Or the coffee, with a half a cup, of grounds
They weren't there for Ruby or Ruth
Whose numbers were in the phone booth
At night when the honky tonks closed down
It was the only place open in town

The regulars sat at the back
The bar was reserved for the hacks
Nobody ever stayed very long
A blue plate special or a jukebox song
The burgers were extra greasy
Waitresses a little sleazy
But there were always people around
It was the only place open in town

My mom, warned about it's reputation
My dad, more concerned about damnation
I used to go there, from time to time
Back when a pay phone was just a dime
On occasion wound up in jail
And one might say, I've been through hell
Anything one needed could be found
It was the only place open in town

We saw the smoke, from miles away
Heard the fire trucks, early that day
Everybody not working, went to see
The roaches and the mice run free
When the honky tonks closed that night
Everybody had to go home tight
Cause before the old cafe' burnt down
It was the only place open in town

Looking back, had some good times there
Just sit by the window and stare
Reflections of places and faces
Kinda like a memory, oasis
Life was a whole lot slower
I was a wild oat sower
But anytime, one wanted, to hunker down
It was the only place open in town


   by Daniel Turner
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Marie Avatar
April 11, 2017 at 7:05 PM
A lot of memories in those diners. Your words being lyrics really heighten the nostalgia. One can vividly picture a place just like this in their hometown. Sadly they are disappearing, yet the warmth and fondness live on forever through your wonderful lyrics. Terrific write DT:)
May Avatar
February 14, 2017 at 4:17 PM
Very nice lyrics Daniel...somehow a Doobie Brothers song popped into my head..
Hamilton Avatar
December 10, 2016 at 4:35 PM
Great write Daniel, can hear the lyric in my head, nice country song, hey send it to Travis Tritt, or Luke Bryan see what happens! Brings back memories of the old diner in town.
Flats Avatar
December 4, 2016 at 8:28 AM
Fortunately, the local spot here has not burned down. Come over some time, we'll sip a cuppa and have a big slab of fry-bread loaded with butter and powdered sugar. This one goes to the faves for reminiscing days! cheers 'n chitlins ~ john
Salehi Avatar
November 30, 2016 at 10:36 PM
You took me back many moons ago... Very charming DT..
Chircop Avatar
November 24, 2016 at 11:58 AM
You got me singing.It was the only place open in town..Nostalgic and lovely.Really enjoyed it Daniel.
Babbit Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 11:53 AM
Nice work, sadly, so many of those gathering places once here, have long disappeared and I was nostalgic on the thought.
Turner Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Not so many here anymore either. It's really quite sad. Thank DH you for dropping by to read and comment. I appreciate your kindness:)
Robinson Jr. Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 2:11 AM
Loved this poem, Daniel. A show stopper for sure. Cool lyrics. I got some music running thru the old noggin' right now w/some of the words from this poem. And btw, those waitresses had to be flirty to squeeze some extra tips from the customers, y'know what I'm sayin'. Just the facts of life, right. Charming poem you crafted. Great write. Love and peace to you.
Turner Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 12:58 PM
Thank you Freddie. Yeah, the Eagles had their sad cafe, Van Gogh had his all night cafe and everybody else had a greasy spoon:) Great memories from the old neighborhood.
La France Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 6:52 PM
Daniel..I recall a place similar to this ...after school it was packed with kids ordering coke and fries..on the wall was a sign saying no loitering , wonderful write. I really enjoyed it.
Turner Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 12:55 PM
Thank you, Constance. Great memories, huh? I think they are some of the best. Small towns are pretty cool:) Thanks for dropping by to share a smile:)
Onclaud Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 12:29 PM
this is one grreat gig of wonder.. love your lively kind of reminiscing, daniel... huggs
Turner Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 12:51 PM
Thank you, nette. I think every town had a place just like it:)
Kannan Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 10:26 AM
Great one... Glad to hear it... Thanks for sharing...A 7...
Turner Avatar
November 23, 2016 at 12:50 PM
Thank you for dropping by, Supraja.(In reference to your icon) It's turning colder here, now and the squirrels are very busy. Their nests are high in the trees. I was always told, the higher they build, the harsher the winter. Thanks for sharing a smile:)
Hauser  Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 8:41 AM
You've out done yourself with this one!
Turner Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:32 AM
It is a little long for me. Usually don't have that much to say. Thank you so much Mike. I always enjoy your visits.
Green Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 7:28 AM
Reminds me of the P&B Diner where I grew up. Open 24 hours and packed once the bars closed down. Great memories in this one Daniel. Wonderfully written nostalgia.
Turner Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:31 AM
Yeah, Chris. Every town has one. Nasty, terrible food, loud but it's the only place open and everybody goes there to socialize. Thank you for your support:)
P  Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 6:23 AM
This was such a memorable read Danny, I felt as though I had been in that cafe at one time or another. "I was a wild oat sower" put a huge smile on my face whilst reading! :) You bad boy, you...7+
Turner Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:29 AM
Thank you Paloma. So glad you liked it:) It was a dirty job but somebody had to do it. I love your friendly visits.
Lane Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 6:09 AM
Nostalgic write, Danny. Your rhyming is great and so are your memories...even the feisty ones. Thanks for sharing a bit of your younger days.
Turner Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:27 AM
Thank you Lin. Can't say it's all true but it is based on memory of an all night cafe where I grew up. I am thrilled to have you as a guest. Really great to see you:)
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 1:26 AM
Loved this descriptive piece, Daniel. This line made me smile, though: I was a wild oat sower....really? ;) That's some line. Enjoyed this piece. Hugs
Turner Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:25 AM
Thank you Eileen. Isn't that what I was? I appreciate your kind comments and always enjoy your visits:)
Gupta Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 12:07 AM
Lovely ... A lovely window ...
Turner Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:24 AM
Thank you, Probir:)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace