Written with one particular person in mind, but could fit the profile of any number of fill-in-the-blank names...
Real Pretty
Midnight
Back door to the alley opens
She walks out
The day ends as it begins
Strobe lights flash
No where to hide from the intrusive
Paid in cash
Won’t be denied their exclusive
Defiant wild child
Followed everywhere she went
Walking on a tight rope
Against a howlin’ wind
Her life played out a train wreck
For everyone to see
But one thing she had goin’ for her
She died real pretty
Five A.M.
Outside a dive of a diner
She stumbles eyes half-open
No picture could be finer
Her portrait
Graces all the covers
Her mug shot
Tells her troubles
Seems nobody could tell her
Livin’ young don’t mean livin’ fast
She was too busy chasin’ too much of a good thing
Tryin’ to make it last
Her life played out a big mess
For everyone to see
But one thing she had goin’ for her
She died real pretty
Big bank account always actin’ out
Givin’ free rides to free loaders
Blackin’ out getting’ bailed out
Denied the truth in front of her
Nothing she wouldn’t say or do
No impulse was resisted
When they found her in that motel room
No pulse existed
----
Just past noon
Fresh flowers are delivered
Just outside
A line forms to see her
Whispering goodbyes
As they pass by everyone can see
One thing she had goin’ for her
She died real pretty
Everybody said goodbye
But no one cried ‘cause they could see
One thing she had goin’ for her
She died real pretty
©Standridge 2011