Cool of the Mid-night Shade
Again? Yes! I should have been
home three long hours ago
But, something might have
happened and I could miss a show
Early ’morrow’s slated work-day
begins too soon at seven
Decided to go home early;
thought, “Maybe around eleven?”
Still carousing with bum-friends
down at the burger bar
When mid-night stroke arrived with
radio blaring “Tel-star”
Another “Worthy” intention
squandered; same old transgression
Will probably never learn; my oft
repeated faux contrite confession
“Ollie” locked up to close the
hang-out joint, said we could stay ’til dawn
Hurried home afore she locked the
door leaving him to sleep upon the lawn
By one’s and two’s they drifted
off like morning river-fog worn out
’Til only me and Harry were left;
he lamented girlfriend-fight in pout
Polite like a friend, I listened
quiet, hoping soon he too would leave
Broken-hearted, nearly in tears;
I comforted poor Harry-the-bereaved
Said he had to go drive past her
house one sad, final time
By two, I knew, they’d reconcile;
his life once more sublime
Headlights searched the darkness
past “Ollie’s Burger Bar” that night
Diehard me? I sat alone enjoying
the mid-night shade of a cooling site
Comfort of the absent abyss
allows clear contentment contemplate
Test teenage-time spent thus far;
each day a fresh-cleaned slate
A cool wind slightly stirred in
the land of mid-night shade
Still, no concrete plans emerged
in fun-life’s game I played
Roused myself, did I, shuffled to
the old red convertible chariot
Maybe I should find a girl? A Love!
Simply choose to: “Harry it!”
Red streak radio screaming
through mid-night shade down a dark highway
Give consideration to decision
made; Oh! Well! Tomorrow is another day
Finally, Home! At last! To sleep!
Then try, another new beginning
Trudging up the walk—uh ,oh…Damn!
I hear the early birds…singing!?
