by Erik Michael Johnson, City Desk

 

 

The sin rose from the city

A thick pheromone of vapor.

The sweet hue of a city flashed

 

Giving birth to the night life.

The sun finally disapeared.

The aircraft opened its doors.  

 

The stars seemed to be bored here.

It looked as though many had left.

Retreating to the lakes and mountains.

Tonight I will sleep

Dreaming on things and places,

Adventures and Women.

 

“Wake up!” the City called

“Wake and play today,

There are things and places,

 

Adventures and Women!”

My eyelids lifted

And the City lured me away.

 

“Welcome home my friend!

Remember me?

I remember you!”

 

A burst of laughter fell out of my mouth.

“My brother! My brother!

And oh my sweet Mother!

 

I am home for

Things and Places,

Adventures and Women!”

 

“Hurray! Hurray!”

The City exclaimed.

“Come along! Things are right this way!”

 

“Drink from this cup!” Mother said.

“Away we will take you!

There is a place we must show you today!”

 

She was there in black

A rose necklace dangled

And a smile across her face.

 

I smiled back

At the woman in black

As she took my hand and we danced.

 

The day became night

As we bantered and laughed

To jokes about nothing.

 

Cigarettes and whiskey

Encouraged our fancies.

Slowly jokes became lips.

 

“My friend! My Friend!”

The City erupted!

“Come quick! Your adventure

 

It must wait for one more day!”

“But Brother and Mother

This thing in this place!

 

“Just one lil taste!”I begged.

The City smiled

and reached out her hand.

 

“Oh dear child,” Mother said,

“Come be with your Father.

He asks for you. Come away.”

 

“Goodbye my dear.”

I whispered to the Woman

We embraced and I went back to dreaming

 

Things and places,

Adventures and Women!

Tomorrow is still another day!

 

“Wake up!” the City called.

“Oh Father! Oh Father!

Where is dear Mother?”

 

“She is off with your brother,”

My father explained.

“Come along, my lad! For it is another day!”

 

Off we stumbled

Into the streets

Searching for things and places!

 

We arrived at a well

And with drink upon drink we filled.

Cheeses and wine! Oh how we dined.

 

All the while speaking

On Things and Places,

Adventures and Women!

 

The day drew on

As the hue came down,

The moon shone as an out-of-focus red.

 

As i got up for more

I noticed a girl wearing black.

Something sparkled around her neck.

 

A smile flashed as I turned back.

She began to walk my way.

“What is it, young lad?” my Father asked.

 

“Father it is Her!” I burst

The City whispered,

“Go get her my boy!”

 

Citydesk@highcontrastreview.com