"Back Alley Cryer"

Eunice wrote this poem after reflecting on a recent walk through the city streets.  - poetheart 06/01/03

As I wandered the streets
One dark lonely night
The sidewalk reflecting
My steps

Past silent taverns
And rows of red brick
Where the life of the city
Is kept

My hands in my pockets
Face to the ground
Ahead of me
Keeping a pace

My thoughts keeping beat
With the tap of my feet
I pondered
The plight of our race

Round a corner I turned
The back alley I spurned
Alone did I trek
This late hour

I heard a voice trying
Softly, as dying
Whispering notes
As a cryer

"Tis midnight to tell
Know Ye - all is well"
No danger, anger
Nor pleading

His lyrical breath
This treasure he kept
For thousands who slept
Or were fading

I turned once again
Round the corner and then
My way had I lost
Was I fearing?

Was my sanity sure?
I could no more endure
Was the cryer a ghost
Or a yearling?

Now many years later
Long buried and gone
My soul n'ere ascends
Nor descends

To heaven's bright shore
Nor hell's lonesome door
My fate on the street
Still remains

I wander these bricks
My for-lorn steps
Reflecting the face
Of my friend

We cover the streets
Of eternity's beat
Down alleys
With never an end

© 2003 Eunice Irwin

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