You Can Get There

Walking the dark streets in a neon drizzle
between glass pyramids and a granite sphinx—
that’s how the journey starts, looking for a stop
on the crosstown line.

In the center of the street the third rail sizzles
and the looping neon spells out fire-letters: Drinks
and Eats reflected in the windows of doorless shops.
Looking for a sign

that says Bus Stop. Bust Top. Bust up, bust out
RustStop Rustoleum linoleum petroleum
It is your right to associate freely. Free associate.
Neon spells go Trailways trail away
that’s how the journey starts,
finding meaning in the mundane.
You can get there without going anywhere.

CUPS: There’s a martini glass in pink neon outside a bar.
WANDS: Friends of Trees is planting saplings in your neighborhood this month.
SWORDS: Kabuki samurai on an Acura billboard.
COINS: jingle jangle in your pocket as you touch the telephone.
Calling home? Don’t pay long distance. You can get there
without going anywhere.

Looking for a sign? Watch the walls. Read neon spelling
YOU CAN GET THERE
from here. It’s not that far to daylight.