A City Poem

Sometimes you’ll find,
the loneliest place on earth,
is where everyone seems to be.

Some take refuge in quiet alleys,
some in cars,
some on piers,
some on quiet boardwalks,
or in empty bars.

Most nights
I walk far into the darkness,
and emerge just as I had entered.
Alone

I have enough mind
to check cautiously
for stalkers,
muggers,
and men seeking change.
But just as every check before that,
nothing.

Just once when I look
Suspiciously over my shoulder,
I hope to see that, yes,
Someone really is following
Close behind.