She wore red shoes
and walked liked a mistress
but no comfort was found in the disguise
I played the deception to the very end
ignoring the mascara that stained her eyes.

We were in the old town
searching for old ways
watching our shadows climb the walls
yes we had drank and yes we were drunk
and the rats in our minds started to crawl.

She wanted to escape the cold of the night
that enveloped her forgotten heart
a passing beggar accepted my money
the price for a sardonic laugh.

And from the cold of the stones
we looked towards home
moonlit upon a far hill
I said what's your name
she replied it's all the same
whether you call me Lucy, Susanna or Jill.

So there we remained
till the dawn kissed our feet
and the reality began to emerge
that the empty echo of a soulless night
was so far from what we both deserved.

We often reflect on this particular night
but neither knows the others thoughts
would we recognise each other
as we passed in the street
would we ever meet again to consort.


© Rik - 16/05/2008