The Flickering Streetlight

Walking home with a heart as heavy
As my feet on the wet tarmac.

Above my head, the streetlamps light the afternoon
Competing with the dying sun to light my way.
The sky has faded from blue to grey
A halfway house between today and tonight.

Beneath the shadow of the trees
The dark air envelops me.
Above my bowed head,
The streetlamp flickers,
Making the shadows dance
Like puppets
Buffeted around by currents
They can never hope to understand.

Before me, you look up,
And your feet still.
The flickering streetlamp paints your face
Orange, then white, then orange.

Your eyes find mine, and hold them.
Your face is dark, clouded.
Mine is open, hopeful.
Foolish.

Around us, the world keeps moving.
Passers by keep walking,
The wind still carries flashes of golden leaves.
The streetlight above us keeps flickering,
Painting your face in shades of sorrow.

Finally I turn and walk away.
Your eyes follow me, down the darkened street
As you stand beneath
The flicking streetlamp.