Soon Be There

It’s midnight and five

as I walk my way home, and

the cold night air details each breath

that escapes from my mouth.  

The evening’s events flutter through my mind

like scattered pigeons on a sidewalk.

Unfamiliar sounds fill the air,

while shadows from a group of night people

loom large upon a nearby wall.

And a police siren wails far away

soon be there, soon be there.

In a nearby hotel

a light emerges through the dark

like a beacon, clear and bright,

and two lovers embrace in the window

of a light filled room, behind thin curtains.

Their fever at full pitch now.

Winding its way through the town,

whilst looking for victims

the siren wails on, moving closer

soon be there, soon be there.

The shadows I saw take on a new shape

and in an instant he is there

standing before me … laughing.

He ignores my offers and pleas.

Where are you heroes? where are you now?

now that I need you like never before.

Together we struggle and our bodies entwine,

and as I fall, he runs. His breathing now fast

and strong. Mine shallow and weakening.

The siren wails on, ever onward

soon be there, soon be there.

Passers by stop and gather round,

like old friends wishing me well,

assuring me that all is ok – but it’s not.

The cold night air tightens my bloodied throat

and as the shadows before me merge

into one last black backdrop

the siren grinds to a halt.

“It’s too late” – I heard someone say

soon be there, soon be there.