Showtime On A Summer Night

He takes a seat firmly on the curb
Shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals
And drifters contained on Central Avenue
A faded beauty offers him a sandwich
But he declines with a nod of gratitude
Having just dined at Midnight Mission
She just smiles and strokes his arm
Saying "Don't look now, but I love you"
He's never noticed her before
But accepts this at face value
His options having narrowed in recent years
Something he chooses not to dwell on
Plus it's show time, no curtains parted
But cardboard residences fold open
And two semi-retired mimes emerge
Their gestures lacking precision
But close enough to kick ass in jest
They glare at each other, circling like panthers
Then shrug, blow a few mutual kisses
While stepping into their ultimate gypsy dance
And the audience springs to their feet
Clapping, whistling, thrilled
Privileged to bear witness
To this, the finest performance in town.