lost

she only wanted his warms thick strong arms to wrap around her

to shelter her from the lonliness this burning city brings

everyone wanted a piece of her that she didnt or couldnt give

she became lost in the crowds and empty hotel rooms

haunted by the distant clinging of winning numbers and pictures

drunken shouts echoed in her mind

and men who cared not to know her

stared hungrily at her body hoping thier wives and lovers would not notice

she felt thier wives eyes glare at her for being younger and different

she knew she drew attention with her hair half shaved the other side falling into waves

her heels her swag her hidden black eye her singing voice while she occupied herself with the street preformers

they were all both gifts and curses

the magnet and repellent of society

she craved her own kind

her lover was near but he too was lost in the crowds as they poured in and out of icy casinos

sucking machines

colorful drinks

and the promise of hallow dollars

she walked the streets searching for something

but she found only her own haunting mind