Poetry
Select verse from an upcoming book of poetry by Ted Onulak.
Night
As the black bag slips
Over the heads of
Protesting clouds
I embrace the coming Night
Its easy empire of abandoned care
Leads through dark alleys
Pleasures unimagined
Safe shadows to pursue them
I hold on to the unwinding thread
Of its proffered velvet robes
And dance to the dangerous music;
Unchained Romeo
The streets awaken
Big electric cat
Licking its lips;
Over the passing feast
Dress in black
Wear the night
Just one more of its mysteries
Miles from the reach
Of the prying moon
I rush with purpose
Through this noisy sin parade
Take my rightful place
With My fellow creatures of the Night;
Nodding to them in bleary recognition
Unbelievable long drinks
Jazz and Jack
I sway in darkness
With saxophone libido;
Cursing the light
By this sacred hour
Weak ones have all faded
The evening ballad breaks
True Night throws its aces
Into its yawning black top hat
Culling them from the pack;
Practiced conjuror’s ease
Only me and Night wind
Seem to be anywhere at all
Its dark molasses voice;
Entices like opium candy
Now, the mad birds wake
Perched on gargoyles—singing
Begin a cautious threnody
To the dear departed Night