Still
by Phil Slattery
Abstractions
Still
I feel your cheek lightly press
against my shoulder
I feel the light strength of your arm
locked in mine
I feel the gentle tug of your hand
interlaced with mine
as it pulls away
When you gaze with childlike wonder
into a shop window
As we prowl the late night streets
minds buzzing with laughter and liquor
Holding your hand tighter
My fingers grasp the chill night wind.
Staring at the sidewalk sparkling with frost
I light another cigar
Pull my jacket tighter
Roll up my collar against the breeze
Round the corner
and become one
with the shadows of the night
Disappearing into the smoky barrooms and sad jazz
of a wintry city.