::10:16:07::

::: The Street Lamp :::

He stumbles
out of the lost weekend
freefalling on storm dampened sidewalks
covered with life's misery.
He knows the path home
on automatic drive
like the daily rush hour.

The streets dark
shadows there, though not seen.
Bitter aftertaste of Johnnie Walker
spews a cold fog into the night.
He passes a homeless man
covered in the daily news
perched upon torn garbage bags
and indecent promises.
He averts his eyes in guilt.

The lone street lamp flickers
monochromatically
as he checks his watch.
2:10 a.m. big as life!
The guilt calls
his wife, home asleep.

He sees a figure ahead
in nondescript form
a darkened silhouette torchiere.
They pass each other,
a beautiful China aster
in full bloom, ripe and ready
for the taking.

"Wanna date?" she utters.
His senses heighten
the exotic allure intoxicating.
He fumbles through his jacket pockets
for some cash and finds a condom.

He reaches out to her
when the lone street lamp flickers
and he checks his watch.
2:21 a.m. the guilt screams
his wife, home waiting.

Written by: ~ Jodapoet