3am  

I am startled awake
by sharp summer smoke
and the singing of ghost parties
dancing down the sidewalk
under my window

This hour still bears witness
this hour still remembers
me, and how often I have fallen
from here into
unwelcome dawn

Into morning's cold
arms, cold kisses,
into fear that calls
from every sidewalk payphone
on the long lurch home

© 2006  Lara Thesenvitz