Downtown Hunger

Something about the locals.

 

and as you sleep

I will wait til the sunrises
for you to wake

The sun has set
you are not here

The cold air touches my skin
chills run frantically up and down my spine
The damp air calms my spirits
I feel at ease
cigarette smoke fills the air
noises influenced by alcohol float throughout the air

I watch the drunk and brokenhearted
The regulars who come in for a cup of coffee
to compliment their cigarettes
They all drink the same drink
Smoke too many cigarettes
wear the same sadness in their eyes
The story is different, but their hearts lay in the same place
they have remained stuck in second gear for far too long
They come looking for a smile, a few familiar faces
I pray to God I'll never end up this way

the stars shine bright
the neighborhood drunks chat me up
telling me their stories
the things they love
the things they've left behind
wives, children, and such
They're worn down and tired
"Well, why don't you get any sleep?"
for a minute, I forgot my own loneliness
"He sleeps in his car," she whispers to me
damn my curiosity
I pray to God I'll never end up this way

an hour has gone by

Love is a mystery
I no longer want to solve
My desire has left me

I look around
I am not the only one desire has forgotten

I see Three wise men
Generic names, but not generic lives
they keep me entertained throughout time
Loneliness is forgotten

They've lost sight of the Star of Bethlehem

as all these things in the world we have grown to love disappear

we appreciate them more
we learn to love deeper
(or less)

Reviews

[[untitled]]

very interesting write. i like the desolate feel of it combined with its spiritual sensibilities. good job

[Bud]

Uncounted numbers out there. I like this a lot. Keep on writing!