Alleyways and Cedar Fences

There’s a man in the alley

and a child on the way.

There’s a window wide open

spilling light from within.

Seeking trees for bield

hide from weather and guilt.

Can our man in the alley

get his lighter to flick?

I saw suffering coming,

she rode recklessly wild.

Then I heard inspiration,

sensed her birth go awry.

There’s a man in the alley

and a name on my lips.

Kaya turned and her hand

wrapped my thumbering tricks.

Now the window is closing

and our night spills its ink.

I feel neon signs calling,

need me plenty to drink.

I once paced through the alley

watching windows go dark.

Now I’m drinking in silence

feeling nothing at all.

- Afton Light, 2022