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Poem

City At Night

by Edmund Siejka


It was cold outside
I hadn’t shaved in days and I was hungry 
I was going to walk it 
Only a few blocks 
Through the same streets I walked every day 
So how bad could it be
At 1 AM?

The Diner’s neon sign 
Shone in sharp relief in the night.
A greasy spoon type of place 
Inexpensive meals 
And large portions.

The waiter leaned against the chrome soda dispenser
Dark circles under his eyes 
Anything good? I asked
Everything’s good he answered
Quickly taking my order 
He resumed his post.  

I’ve been coming here for awhile and I don’t ever think I saw you around
Without turning around 
I answered the stranger 
I’m just getting something to eat.

I’ve been around lots of places he said
And I think I can spot a victim of disappointment
I’m a writer by day and at night a denizen of the streets
Because of who I am I have become frugal
So, I eat here to stay alive. 

Ignoring him I started eating
When his chair creaked and swiveled  
I caught sight of his back when he left.     

I left the Diner around 2 am
Footsteps echoed around me  
Anxious I looked around 
To be sure 
I was alone.

Up ahead
Two men were talking
The taller of the two leaned against a car 
Arms crossed against his chest
Watching me as I got closer
Cold night, isn’t it? he asked. 

My breath curled out in the frigid night 
I carefully answered, 
Yes, it’s a little cold
Out for a night time stroll? he inquired
Before I could answer, the shorter of the two turned away
It was then I quickly turned
And hurriedly walked away.
  
Behind me the thudding sound of a car door slammed shut
Loud laughter broke the quiet of the night 
Theirs was a private joke 
And I was the intruder.

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