Greyhound hiss dies on asphalt shoulder
Ticket stub torn night air grows colder
Lens cap off thumb finds the shutter
First frame caught in sodium flutter
Diner sign flickers egg timer glow
Booth vinyl cracked where the springs show
Steam rises vertical straight from the cup
Warmth spreads through fingers waking me up
Copper vane spins above the grill light
My camera clicks in the 3
AM night
Waitress pours coffee steam rises slow
Warmth in this booth where the cold winds blow
Formica table fork tines bent sideways
Chrome napkin holder catches the rays
Cherry pie slice crust golden and flaking
Fork lifts the bite no hands shaking
Diner sign flickers egg timer glow
Booth vinyl cracked where the springs show
Steam rises vertical straight from the cup
Warmth spreads through fingers waking me up
Copper vane spins above the grill light
My camera clicks in the 3
AM night
Waitress pours coffee steam rises slow
Warmth in this booth where the cold winds blow
Copper rooster turns on the roof peak
Wind shifts west metal starts to speak
Squeak of rust a hinge crying loud
Arrow points south through the passing cloud
Shutter snaps the vane in mid-turn
Film advances lessons I learn
Isolation cracks when the coffee's hot
Human contact brief but a lot
Copper vane spins above the grill light
My camera clicks in the 3
AM night
Waitress pours coffee steam rises slow
Warmth in this booth where the cold winds blow
Bus engine coughs return trip calling
Booth empties out darkness falling
Last frame wound camera in bag
Vane keeps spinning no need to brag
Copper vane spins above the grill light
My camera clicks in the 3
AM night
Waitress pours coffee steam rises slow
Warmth in this booth where the cold winds blow
Copper vane spins points the way home
Camera clicks no more need to roam
Vane turns west I ride the dawn
Copper arrow journey drawn