Vestiges of the Night

Night's cloak seals their anonymity
From day's perch into oblivion,
peeping toms snake from corners
Pale masts sail across the civil divide
Swinging gaits, vestiges of sanity,
proceed from tunnel of existence
into dark alleys, dull, drab shadows
Cold plastic crates; steaming vats
await their grizzled, tattered forms
From the sterile fog, seep toxic vapors,
drunken shells swollen, to detox alone
Changing lights reflect last movements
Passing headlights trace their outlines,
while pole lights keep a distant vigil

Bright-clad skanks re-occupy corners;
their glowing markers inform the night
Gold bangles, lockets refract lost innocence-
abuse, rape, addiction, broken families
Cherry rouge splotches cover insecurity
Flaming blue eyelashes mask deep longing
Perfumed calling cards stream lust
Pheromones invite carnivorous minds
The folds unwind on tight accordions
blossoming busts, taut abs, firm tails,
Dark eyes gleam through window slits,
connecting with revolving, dark strobes;
Pare the darkness from the lingering light,
then two search lights stream into the night