A Dream of Lost

In a street I never saw before
a bustle of busy shoppers’ to-and-fro’s
familiar smells
hotdogs doughnuts coffee
traffic fumes
comfort
the town hall clock shows four

confused I take a wrong turn
up the street
from this alleyway
I can see the whole town spread
like on toast
but every turn I take just brings me back

streetlamps flicker on
spread silence in their wake of orange glow
a little panicked now
stale onions on the air
and beer
reality dictates I must get home

cathedral door ajar
an anthem singing from inside
I feel I would be safer in the crowd
heavy with incense
warm and waxy prayers ascend

the faithful now are leaving for their homes
abandon me small under these walls
night closes all around
I know the first tang of a lost soul’s fear

a gang of half-clad youths approach
their vile tongues and their laughter
sweat around me
easy prey

projecting friendliness I ask the way
am answered with
terror

I hear the final tolling of a bell