When I was a young miner in the high San Juan

I had a favorite place; now it’s gone.

An old oak bar, some tables, nothing fancy.

A little space for folks who felt dance-y.

Everyone there had an interesting story

Of a previous life or a search for glory.

Mostly young folks just starting a life

And refugees from modern strife.

Some a little crazy from too much thinking,

A few burned out from too much drinking.

But all that got forgot or put away

When they had a band on Saturday.

The music wasn’t great, we didn’t care,

We were buzzed on mountain air.

All the girls got prettied up and nicely dressed

The men got washed and did their best

To become some sweet thing’s Mr. Right

Maybe for forever, or at least tonight.

I fell in love there a time or two

Had the thrill of love fresh and new.

Each love ended, no one to blame

I still see every face, know every name.

Life was good, we had nothing to fear

So we had a laugh and drank some beer.

Those times are gone and that’s all right

But if I could go back, I just might.

You could be just whoever you are

When you stepped into the San Juan Bar.

Kevin O’Connor

Durango