II


In a pitch dark alley
I go outside to smoke a cigarette
Only to see the night for what it really is

It is a celebration
of light and gas
There is no mystery
only happiness

There is no sorrow
among the stars
who smile and dance
like bees in the summer

Calling out to me,
begging me
to take partin their
singing and laughter

I can only turn
away with head
hanging low and
in shame

because I have
not earned the right
to leave this earth
and dance besides the moon


--- by Radames Ortiz, University of Hoouston