The City at Night Jacinth Banite
Drizzle-drops smeared on the glistening road Clamoring engines derange the restless highway Headlights beam at the back of lining cars Drivers roll their necks while they wait for the green light Hands hover on the clutch as they chase golden hour Puddles catch drifting tires, splashes blend with rags that children wear Feet shifting to wait on the side of the pedestrian lane Some of them washed, some of them stained While the sunset marks the end of the day, City lights persuade different beginnings Stiletto steps echo around, running after the fading instant Ladies turn their heads as they wait for their bus Hugging their bags, or holding their lovers’ hands Crowds race to the supper served at home Braving the dwindling safety that comes with sunset Carts are leaving the sidewalks Vendors pick coins among candies and cigarettes Restobars on the rented pavement are awake Glass doors glare with blinding lights, While lullabies play from distant houses
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