the dark streets of decay 11

the hollywood roosevelt hotel

hard bodies by the swimming pool

i won’t show them my midnight tan

it’s early afternoon

and i just want to sleep

 

i was hung-over on public transportation

fell asleep and missed my stop

had to call a cab to bring me here

 

now holding nothing but a room key

and shower kit

i strip and pass out on the bed

 

*

i wake in a non-smoking room

to the sound of rain

i stumble around till i find a light switch

and illuminate a room of glass and pristine white

 

i clean up and dress

and get out on the boulevard

so i can smoke

the rain has erased the crowds

but plenty of people still

 

the cat who adopted me never wants to leave.

me? the rain bathing the concrete feels like home

i step out and begin my roam

and let the rain soak the only clothes i brought

 

sad but even an empty stomach won’t stop me

from drinking

but i grab a slice

before i head for a bar so grateful for a paying customer

on this inclement night

that they overlook my union with the rain

 

i’m just describing a day

i really have nothing to say

and sometimes wonder why i say anything at all

conversation is something i forestall

 

if you think anything matters then leave me for de gaulle

to me this is all a happy accident

and it so has no purpose that i will not try

and win you to my side

 

i have no secrets to confide

and no reason to stray

from these dark streets of decay

 

***