splattered green tea

a rivulet of blood seeks an iron
grate planted in an adjacent slab of
concrete
a dark red ribbon tying a sewer to
her wet, matted hair

a curtain of rain reflects
the lights of the city’s night
and neon creates black contrast
to the temporary life that shines
through a glass door

a tinkling bell sounds
entrance,
surprised patrons warily
notice
a tattered gray overcoat that
separates a prostrate life
from the rain
a fallen and shattered life
like a red and gold porcelain
dragon and its splattered green tea,
fallen
from small hands

strong, smoky smells of
ginger
and peanut oil
contend with
the odor of urine and
alcohol
and the
vomited remains
of
manna

rapid sing song
voices and busy
chatter
fill this false refuge with
deception and for a short time
the condemned laugh at the
black night

photographs of a brown color
resembling sepia,
plates of food
line a wall and
playing in the background,
our god is an awesome god
outside an old woman
gone cold
gives over to the night
the color of her portrait
long ago faded

somewhere in the streets
the wail of a siren grows louder
inside
lies are served up
hot
and steaming.