Brian’sPoems

Kerouac

Here I am driving through crowded streets. Shrubs, trash, cement, and buildings as far as the eyes can see. People are everywhere, too. Some seem to be going nowhere in particular and others can’t stand the wait. And here I am with that hollow, empty, and lonely but in-the-middle-of-it-all feeling. And I’m wondering, no, I’m longing, to be the (last) only person on this planet. I’m dreamin’ of inconceivable peace and calm. The only thing is I’m frightened to be alone, thinking alone. And as I turn left up the hill I pass a cemetery so green it’s alive. I don’t think it knows that it’s supposed to die. And then I move on zipping by the dry cleaners and stop at the light by the DQ. It’s tempting, but I put it off. I got things to do and people to see, but I forget all that when I notice a beautiful baby, just sittin’ there by herself with no shoes. So now my heart starts to accelerate, and I am intrigued to no end. Everything’s out the window except lost opportunities. I turn the corner, pull over; it’s time for a dip cone. I cross the street feigning oblivion and the not noticing her not noticing me thing. I hop into line and end up with a Pepsi - guess I’m going to be thirsty. Like a failed mission I have fallen to Earth and step back into the crosswalk. But lo! Courage overtakes me. I turn and pop the lid off my drink and head towards the trash where she is sitting. He shoots, he scores! And now I exclaim in a general and raised voice, “How ya doin’?”