Teen Ink

This was Westfield, Downtown
Before the cop cars.

We stood behind Starbucks
Kids with their lighters and ciggs
With energy drinks
Filched from the Stop and Shop
Down the street

Anthony’s car speakers blasted Metallica, too loud for soft-spoken ears
But the employees didn’t care
As long as we were on the other side
Of the non-Starbucks owned Brown Door

The vintage matron griped, the constables showed up
These days seem like the town’s all out
And prostitots are running around
Got a bender to set up our tripwires soon

Movie theater lights shine outward
Cast shadows on pavements
As we walk out Broad Street
To Nomahegan and the Gazebo

From the swingset you can see the stars
Now look through glass panes on windows
Into wired factories whose jobs we don’t know
I want a doughnut, she wants one too

Promenade to Stop and Shop
“I’ve got you covered,” a smile for her
Laze outside until the monotones come
Drink sodas ’til the crack of doom

Or at least until we gotta be home
Parents phoned, required home by eleven
Disinclined to acquisce, but otherwise I’m grounded
So now is the death of our Dusks
And the birth of our Midnights