ANYTOWN ANYWHERE BUT HERE

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I hear the beating
            like the boys finger drumming on tables
of water falling on the tin drain pipes
            perediddles in the night
the washing the swaying
            like the brushes on the snare
                        a slow mood swings through
the gutters filled with dreams

rhythms light by chance upon the sill
            and time trickles down each pane
                        while droplets cling to the screen
like silver stardust

a day’s dark sky calls out
perfidious and blue
            like the slow steady on the ride
                        as the hat claps to the floor
two and four

and I hear the tapping
            like an old soft shoe
languid and sleeping

            swell the waves of yearning
            the cheap wine pours
            for moments protected by forgetfulness
            for moments inspired by the rain
how I love the rain

limp falls my arm from the side of the chair feeling you there
I hear your breathing slowly lilting waxing and waning
beneath your breast a ghost in the memory

there are no winds to dash my dreams against the roof
there are no chills to stir the spirits of tomorrow
only open doors long damp alley ways
empty avenues bricks soaked pure
and a river flowing with a kiss that you know and miss

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