Wandering the streets at night,
blinded by the absent lights.
Sky is spinning round and round,
I worry that it might come down.
City sounds are everywhere,
sirens wailing in despair.
The night is long and oh so hot,
in the cities maze I'm caught.
Like a rat in a losers race,
in my pocket a can of mace.
Heading nowhere I wander on,
Looking for the breaking dawn.
I hear gunfire on a darkened street,
in the air a noisome beat.
The heavy beat of metal wings,
far away a siren sings.
A song of death a song of pain,
another citizen likely slain.
I know somewhere blood has spilled,
the smell of which the nights instilled.
A rush of wind slams my face,
the metal bird now crowds my space.
Suddenly caught in blinding glare,
into the brightest light I stare.
Deciding I am not its prey,
intent focused elsewhere it churns away.
In shadowed light I continue on,
my moments terror quickly gone.
I hear the slap of running feet,
coming behind me up the street.
Fear growing again I look to hide,
fear can conquer any pride.
In deeper shadow I stop and wait,
the city's perils won't abate.
I see a young man, gun in hand,
preparing to make his final stand.
Suddenly the metal bird is back,
towards the sky I hear gunshots crack.
The armored monster cannot die,
the young mans caught in its glaring eye.
Feet spread in a fighting stance,
to drop his gun his only chance.
He hears the warning he does not heed,
shot full of holes, I see him bleed.
In a crimson pool, he takes his last breath,
releasing his gun only in death.
Staying deeper in shadows I continue on, 
Looking to the east, praying for dawn.
D.L. Crockett -- 5/1/97