Night after I Sing

downtown people mull sidewalks down the one-way police in pursuit lights flash life’s measures play out I play the radio as I drive and switch stations to find some pain never goes away my pain about a friend lost and months of promise gone a lady sings a love song on the radio her wistful voice cuts into the night memories I savor bright lights the bartender a stiff drink and a brush of hands friends sit at the table with me I sing they applaud a heartfelt hug and desire but I find myself alone after stepping out the door sometimes I say it’s better this way sometimes I wonder why it has to be a man in front of the library sleeps in shadows the world turns the stars and moon hide in sullen skies somewhere a plaintive cry a dog’s harsh bark left outside