Rain streaks the window of the lateโnight tram,
and I catch my reflection—
halfโlit, halfโblurred,
a passenger caught in between:
Cinema lights sputter,
half the bulbs gone,
yet the pavement glows enough
to draw shadows forward,
figures drifting past
like fragments of a reel
spliced midโstory.
The fairground stalls linger,
shutters rattling in the wind,
a lone vendor packs away
the last cones of cotton candy—
sweet air dissolving into night,
traces of laughter
cling to statued rides.
Conflict leans into silence:
not fists, nor shouts,
but the pause of a step
held too long at the corner,
a whole city waiting
for a stalled walker to move again.
.
-
Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: November 8th, 2025 05:03
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 14
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange

Offline)
Comments6
Between shadow and person, reflection and real, what was and is there is a land a dimension of neverland where time does not exist and thoughts are stored. Not dark not light it holds what is not real and is only imagined but yet has not sprouted into fantasy. It is a reflection and echo of memory. This poem has a noir feel my friend
A prompt exercise about presence and I chose film noir as the feel. Thanks for unpeeling the drapery! That is so exciting, dear friend๐๐๏ธ
It is always a pleasure reading your creations. It exercises the mind and stretches the imagination.
More often than not, my mind's journeys do not conform. ๐คฉ๐๏ธ๐
Nor do mine
๐คฉ
Beautifully written, arqios.
Thanks, Jerry. Coming from you this is greatly appreciated. ๐๐๏ธ
Arqios, you framed loneliness through light, glass, and movement until the whole scene felt suspended in breath. A quiet masterpiece, my friend. ๐น๐ค๐๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฆโโฌ
To my ears this is a delectable accolade. Thank you Tittu! ๐๐๏ธ
This is like me looking at a mirror and pondering upon the reflection of yours truly .. dark and inviting but scary too, like an induced abreaction might be .. ๐๐
Got only one mirror in the house and that's tucked away in the top drawer of a mirrorless vanity. The less seen the better, lol ๐๐๏ธ
Not sure to be saddened or or awakened, provokes thought as all poetry should. Nice work.
Both effects ain't bad either way, I suppose. Thanks for that very affirming response. So good to see you around the site, Dan ๐๐๏ธ
Wonderful words Rik showing that things can change in a moment and revert in another moment.
Andy
A moment to quick and at other times a moment too long. Thanks, Andy๐๐๏ธ
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.