1.9.2007

Countdown (To a Birthday)


miles above the ants of Times Square,
a pane of glass doubles tumblers
and masks December’s chill.

tumblers double and blur the face
of a familiar friend with a heavy head
but I know better than to ask why now.

a familiar friend, whose birth date
coincides with countdowns round the world,
has grown wearier with passing years.

round the world breath is held. in a room
scraping sky, I forget my contentment and wonder
where sour thoughts guide a familiar friend.

in panes of glass I see the weight of the world.
head down, he breathes deep artificial heat
as I reach for another drink.

breathing – grieving? – we wait.
for new beginnings, second chances.
the forgiveness of familiar friends.

second by second – we wait,
oblivious to the world below us,
for our world to change.