Ode to that Guy I saw Standing on the Street Once

-Valaney Valaun-

Twas eleven o'clock on a Thursday

And, by the ruddy red glow of the traffic light

I sat

Apathetic, like it.

And when I ventured to glance out of the passenger-side window

There you were, standing at the same light.

You were on foot; this didn't surprise me

I could see you were an environmentally conscious soul

Or at least unable to afford a car.

You wore a woman's jacket, beige felt and long

Though perhaps you didn't know it,

You were Russian-chic.

You held your head high

With close, black hair stark against the hazy gray November sky

I could tell you took pride in your sideburns.

You were thinking deeply

Probably considering breaking up with your girlfriend

She always was a skank.

You did not look back

When the light changed and the traffic surged forward, unthinking and obeying

You did not look back at the curb you had abandoned, now lonely in your absence

Or at the little red car that had waited with you.

I watched you as you walked, so straight and proud

And knew that the very air quivered with excitement at your passing.

I miss you sometimes.