Bright Lights

Shadow. Light. Shadow. Light.

Or so the motel neons flash the Greyhound passengers

Wheels rolling west, hearts scattered in their travels

Seasoned loners curse the night

Shivering in its vastness, shrinking from its hollow whistle

Destinations unset, minds lingering at the starting point

Few are purposely driven

Bent on a mission, harnessed by a single prayer

Eyes constantly scanning for glimmering palisades: the journey's end

Silence tucks the dreamers gently in for repair and revival

Silence claws at the worldly vagabonds, stripping their dignity

I scream and I itch

Complacency has tightened over me like fine wax

Let me wipe the soot from their cheeks

They're my final peak to climb

They are my Everest, my personal legend, my love

Bright Lights you guide me

You move my hands in tune with my heart

Shoulders smoothed like delicately worn stones

Shadow is not mourning: only a recollection of your touch

Blinkers click, fingers tap, eyes flutter

Foreign feet touch the rubber aisle and carry me towards them

Breathlessly gripping faith and trust in open hands

Shadow... Light... Light... Light...