After midnight
the city pales
in weariness-
too much
it has seen
and experienced
during the clamour
of the day
it hopes for silence
with everyone
being away-

the street-lights
shiver and quiver
all bars and shops
are closed--beggars
sleep in neglected corners
a few dogs linger
in search for food
in ***** bins
a church-bell chimes
as the last trams
and buses
do their final rounds-

a sudden wind descends
and throws debris
and discarded papers
into the cold air-

the city dies
for a while-
tomorrow
is another story