Batteries Not Included

Batteries Not Included They sit – idle memories – languishing crusted filth - a city’s weeping gutters. Detritus of fast food disposal clings to scentless bloodied thorns of tear soaked rose, future maple trees sailing sewer bound, adrift on a city’s polluted dreams. Yellow lights a-swirl on oil slickened streets highlight a scrawny stalking alley cat sad mime back arched on a red brick facade. Cold shush of tires on icy pavement hissing at the joy of dancing snowflakes, chilled chatter of recycling’s shopping carts. Barrier reefs of soft restaurant lights deflect the silent hardness of the night. Wet dogs shiver in the blue cell phone light, taut leashes battling absent owners check for “Pee-mail” on “Face Book” fire hydrants. Puddles torment the feet of passersby, tempting the feet of children and adults dampening the spirits of the homeless. Gutters, siphoning off a city’s soul, seeking salvation from a moonless night in search of a coldly distant sunrise. 12/27/2016 submitted to – Form – B – Poetry Contest