wet leaves on a rain-slick street

you remember the way here

the dull old streetlamp here

no urban renewal here yet


casting that black gleam on the alley wall

how long ago and a different kind of night

did the hazy summer night open the alley

to lovers who stepped from the block party


and kissed in twinging excitement while a boombox

filled the street with a loud leveling joy


oh how impossible to go back when so many

have gone on while a varied memory lasts

for all who've survived and let it come when it will

to want it is too much like asking for help






Content (c) 2008-2016 Philip Milio.