filling deserted alleys with opaque walls of muteness
like a video frame paused for hours
tamed in sight, this night gently leaves moist imprints
on face of ***** windshields bearing finger doodles

the paws of lingering mist would run
through puddles of water at corners of street lamp
coil around a melancholy orange veil of light
concealed in narrow glass neon tubes

would the ravens sleep, wander or meditate
while stray dogs breathe in a freezing December laboriously
tucked inside cozy beds of garbage
painstakingly gathered

on its toes, beaten, tired with smiles
the heart of night haunches over
the promise of what could be
and with nobody looking, silently moves on

should the long awaited breeze deliver
a promise of fidelity unafraid
of clearing away this fog in mind
with a glimpse of you

when stars find themselves stuck in turbulent seas of haze
with moon unable to break the walls of unknown
and morning sun afraid to sail into clear skies
my breath beckons an unknown name

obscure yet alive, the paws of lingering mist would run
and soak each blade of grass, one dewdrop at a time
overwhelm each particle of soil, one cold drip at a time
and laminate nearby pond till lotus has no choice

but to flower.