Four Way Stop

It is 2 AM and the city shimmers 

The window pane is tear stained

A police car flashes its lights up the block

My back hurts 

The room is full of light that does not belong to me

I am too tired to write this down. 

I look across the city and feel alone.

I long to open my window as wide as it goes 

And reach out

All the way out

Until I feel the water on my face. 

       The wind calls my name 

       Just like everyone says it should 

I want to give in

And let it cradle me

To the sleep I have been avoiding 

To the sleep that won't come. 

The asphalt glistens purple 

The sole stop light flashes red

Stop. 

Then go

Stop

Please stop.