Summer Night

Reflecting on a "street people". Part of a city series.

Dusk:
highrises cast long shadows
as the sun slowly dissipates its light
until one solid block of grey
threatens
Night

Midnight:
breeze teases relief:
the steaming city street hisses
its protest
at people snaking to and from
bars forgetting in the dark
how quickly the blistering sun
returns with blinding light

1:00 a.m.:
Sirens wail last call as the stalwart
or the foolish wend their way
to anonymous addresses,
clumsily turn keys in patient locks
and fall forgettfully
into dishevelled sleep.

4 a.m.:
Barred from bars,
Leo hugs the grungy facades of shops,
opens a familiar door
and curls into fetal sleep
on the floor beneath
a cash machine.