City At Night
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.
Copyright © Edmund Siejka | Year Posted 2022
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