persistence of memory

downtown three a.m.
streets black with rain
my shoes hit the pavement
the rhythm of movement
a staccato refrain

the harsh glow of neon
illuminates the face
reflected in the window
the stranger I don’t know
who haunts this place

the flickering images unroll
like a silent movie reel
violence love and tragedy
the persistence of memory
the cards are on the table
cut the deck
and deal

the stale smell of smoke lingers
on the air
mingled with her perfume
everywhere

the flickering images unroll
like a silent movie reel
violence love and tragedy
the persistence of memory
the cards are on the table
cut the deck
and deal...

the lingering reality
the slow sad finality
of goodbye