NYC

NYC

He rushed home from a hectic twelve hour day
with tension curled on his neck like a python.
The city he lives in but doesn't see any more
glides through his vision like a panoramic slide show.
A rhythmic beat of moving through the city
his steps are nothing but a means to a destination.

Early sunset reached the towering monoliths
shadows falling between garish neon billboards.
The streets are strobed with headlights
streams of yellow cabs blowing putrid breezes.
The dusty heat remained, shimmering up
to meet the sunset on the seventeenth floor.

A chihuahua maitre'd nodded to him.
Roasted garlic wafted from the restaurant.
Pressed white linen framed a gleaming service
mussel butterflies nestled on comforting pasta
and warm soft bread beneath a cozy coverlet
waiting for butter delivered on a heavy silver knife.

Walking fast beneath the brilliant marquee
screaming its Broadway musical fare
past the tourist tees and pawnshops
sad stolen treasures behind barred battlements.
The loud music and light spilling through the doorways
smelled of stale piss and hot concrete.

From a darkened doorway she smiled.
Made eye contact and encouraged his perusal.
Beautiful wares extravagantly traced by a long red nail.
A creamy bosom offered in a crocheted sweater
the long sleeves hiding needle tracks.
Her pussed tattoo of desperation.

By the cool opulent lobby and unobtrusive elevator
he arrived in his haven of earned quiet solitude
shed the throttle of wool jacket and corporate tie
settled into a compassionate Italian leather sofa
and lost the day with a dry martini and CNN news.

He loves The City.

264 words
36 lines
Prelim Round 2
"SLAM!"