Chris Green Poet Free verse

At Least For a Few Hours

At least for a few hours 

An empty corner bends
beneath street lights working overtime
and a bench, cold and lonely,
damp from previous storms
and those threatening,
closing dark curtains
on a weary skyline,
beckons, offering a seat,
hard slats horizontal
last occupied by another
with hopes and dreams
left to wander, wondering why

A black cat crosses my path
and I laugh at its expression
Knowing it believes bad luck
will come of this, little does it know,
I have no path for it to cross,
no destination or planned outcome
Pushing the crosswalk button
again and again
and still it reads don’t walk,
I do as I am told

I feel drowsy as I settle in,
counting cars and flickers of
the faulty neon sign
at the 24 hour tattoo parlor
Where needles aren’t the only thing
spurting ink, perforating skin,
creating a lasting impression
that even a beautiful sunrise
can’t erase as I fall off to a world
that doesn’t seem so bad,
at least for a few hours,
hoping that when I wake
it wakes with me

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Anne-Marie Coreggia May 24, 2017 at 9:57 AM This is a poignant write where you make us experience city life through the eyes of a homeless person and, to me, it is all the more powerful that you didn't make it sentimental but instead you used strong images to convey the sense of loneliness and what seems like a flicker of hope in the end 'sleep'; only if it is seen as a reprieve though instead of the 'antechamber' of death. Chris Green May 24, 2017 at 10:13 AM Thanks so much Anne Marie. I really enjoyed your thoughts and your view of my poem. And you are right, I did hope to express that he is not completely downtrodden, he does have something to look forward to, even if it is just a few hours of sleep. I appreciate your visit and kindness my friend.

Maria Williams May 24, 2017 at 8:26 AM Now I know where you get all your inspiration from Chris - it must be on your long scenic drive home from work after the hum-drum of the city and your city is a Mad World in traffic. Actually, in Hawaii and Kuala lumpur it's quite exhilarating trying to beat the pedestrian light count down at the cross roads before the traffic comes roaring down - It will belay bad luck for that black cat if it misjudges them. ...Maria Maria Williams May 24, 2017 at 9:27 AM I bet your mind is working faster than the speed of your speedometer,- the drivers in front may slow car speed down but not the speed of your imagination - Drive Safe - Maria Chris Green May 24, 2017 at 8:35 AM Funny but you are pretty much correct my friend. I do have a long drive in and a long drive out that provides me with many quiet moments to think and ponder poetic themes and ideas (and also yell at the slow drivers in front of me) :)

Lenna Walker May 23, 2017 at 5:11 PM It feels dreary and so uncomfortable, for me - physically and mentally. I do not like city life, or to even be in the city. I have some weird mental aversion to it I guess. I felt myself on that bench, feeling lonely, tiny and isolated - yep - I'm weird. (I imagined a city in pre dawn hours and all the sights and sounds of such- including what we can't see)) VERY well written Chris ! Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 5:22 PM Thanks so much Lenna. I know what you mean, to me it is more a nightmare than anything else. I do work in the city (the outskirts) but live in the country. Ok, let's do this, close your eyes and picture a green flowing field with sunflowers and hummingbirds. There, is that better? :) Thank you again my friend. I always look forward to your comments on my poetry. You always leave me such beautiful gifts.

Frederic Parker May 23, 2017 at 4:55 PM you've created a world I'm very familiar with, the city..well done and yes those cross walk buttons work on their own time Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 5:00 PM Thank you Frederic. I work in the city but live out in the middle of nowhere. I am happy you liked this and appreciate your comment.

Lisa Ricci May 23, 2017 at 4:51 PM I'm glad. You know what they say about music - it soothes the soul and can change a mood. I hope the entry was your creative expression and that all is well. Have a beautiful night. Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 4:54 PM Just a poem my friend...my state of mind is still watching the sunrise. :)

Eve Roper May 23, 2017 at 4:47 PM What a nice walk I've taken with you. Nicely penned ....~* Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 4:50 PM Thank you Eve. Taking a walk is always so much better with some company. :)

Daniel Turner May 23, 2017 at 4:41 PM Sleep! The perfect getaway:) Nicely penned, Chris:) Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 4:44 PM Hey there Daniel, thanks so much my friend.

Lisa Ricci May 23, 2017 at 3:11 PM Silly Silly Chris. The black cat wasn't placed there for bad luck. He was placed there for good luck and to shake the quiet and low mood emotion away. Look again at him and you will see. Hi Chris. This entry is very expressive and emotional. How could it not reach anyone reading it. Your words are vivid. Now about that neon sign.....PS: for some reason this entry inspires the thoughts words and song of "bridge over troubled water" Have a wonderful night. Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 4:44 PM Oh and I didn't mention the song....that seems to fit the poem perfectly. Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 4:32 PM Yeah, I named him Buffalo and he slept on the bench with me. :) Thank you Lisa, I just was hoping to show a different side of my poetry, you know, the gloomy, woe-is-me stuff. :) I appreciate you my friend.

Charmaine Chircop May 23, 2017 at 2:11 PM I wonder if I may sit on that bench of loniliness..I might sweep of the dampness with a tishoo...Till it dries for anyone to sit on it and feel the warm breeze again...even if in solitude.I can feel this echo Chris ...From the other side of the moon.How strange life is..Some people would give everything to sit there on that bench alone far from the buzzing sounds of life..but yes..those alone might give everything for a glimpse of a smile and someone to share moments with.Excellent poem Chris. Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 2:42 PM Well, there is some room on the bench if you'd care to join me. :) Thank you my sweet friend. Some days being alone is ok I suppose but some days can be so long without another to share life with.

Carol B. May 23, 2017 at 10:54 AM It's always a pleasure to read your poetry! I can feel and see the sadness expressed in this piece. The feeling of loneliness and escapism. I feel for the poor guy on that bench. You just want to reach out and let them know they aren't alone. Chris this is another amazing write. :) Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 12:26 PM *them* :) Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 10:58 AM Thank you Carol, so very much for your kind words. I am thrilled you felt and understood this one. Many end up on these lonely benches, hoping someone will reach out and let they know they are not alone. I appreciate your stopping by today.

Darren White May 23, 2017 at 10:49 AM Ouch Chris.... So well written, so lonely and sad, but still. Your imagery is as always incredible. That totally desolate desperate loneliness you captured excellently. Great poem my friend! Chris Green May 23, 2017 at 10:57 AM Thanks so much my friend. I am glad you liked this one and my meaning and emotions came through clearly.