A smoke-filled place in Nashville
Charlie Louvin we stopped in to see
He was singing up on a tiny stage
Along with some wannabes.

He still had the rhythm and voice
Though tired he appeared to become
But he said he was feeling good
Much luckier than some of them

We chatted with Charlie awhile
He talked about the olden days
How country music had changed
It has such different sounding ways

So we took each others picture
With Charlie once again
A fun place to stop and visit
This nice and friendly man

He lit one cigarette after another
A chain-smoker he certainly was
But his life was country music
And this place was part of his cause

We bought a CD and picture of him
And he signed both of them
With a smile on his face always
Yes, he certainly a delightful gem

We said good-by to Charlie
And while driving away once more
Charlie strolled through the parking lot
And another cigarette he reached for!

Marilyn Lott

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/charlie-s-place/