Evening Drifts In | Josiespoems

EVENING DRIFTS IN
ON CITY STREETS

By Josie Whitehead

Evening Drifts In

Swiftly the easterly wind blows clouds
Lickety-split across the deepening dusk
Of this chilly autumnal afternoon.

Glimpse the hastening black crow,
His shape etched upon distant trees -
Shadows dancing in the breeze.

Here a beggar-man finds a street corner
Which is sheltered from the teasing wind
And lays his thin blanket on the pavement.

Suddenly the Christmas lights flash on
And restaurants emit tempting aromas,
Whilst shoppers draw their coats tighter.

Now observe the clear moon starting to rise
Over white drifting cotton wool clouds.
One by one the stars appear in the twilight.

The dusky mantle of night drapes itself
Around tired office workers, shoppers,
Students, teachers, nurses and families.

Buses and cars rattle past; feet scurry.
The railway stations bustle; people chatter.
Night’s arrived – herald of tomorrow's dawn.

* I was thinking of one of my local large cities - Leeds - but of course, it could be any large city in the world. Josie