Where the Night Goes

Beneath the deep blue hue of a twilight sky,

streets, bathed in the golden glow

of countless miles-high

glass and girder bulbs,

advance into the night.

-

And it is now,

when the sun goes down

that spirits excite,

enlivening the night,

and are drawn

to the sight of neon signs

and colours more divine

than they could ever appear after dawn.

-

A city dons a disguise

as stars arise,

and people leave behind

their worries and sighs

to join the maskless mass

in their masquerade ball

and play the private eye

or play the fool.

For among a million someones,

everyone is no one

and therefore anyone.

-

And as the day depletes,

such a thing as solace

can be sought in crowded streets,

and the thrill of opportunity,

of who one meets,

is a promise of such vast community.

-

So ready the feet

to walk the yellow-lit roads,

to peer through windows like fishbowls,

to dance and talk and drink

and have soul!

Enjoy not to know;

Where the night goes, it will go.

Background

I originally wrote this poem in 2021, reflecting on how a lot of my happiest memories involve wandering around cities late at night.

Tokyo, where I spent three weeks in December 2017 and January 2018, stood out especially, because jet lag had me sleeping through most of the days, so I would only leave the house at around 6pm.

It remains one of the best trips I've ever taken.

Does this resonate with you? So much poetry revolves around nature, but it's cities that have always captured my hearts.

Feel free to drop a comment and let me know what you think, or share your own memorable experience of a night in the city.

And if you enjoyed this, please consider leaving a tip to support my work and buy my good boys and girls some treats!

Have a great weekend!