Meet Me In Toronto

Since May,
I knew this day would come
getting the jump on seats
to firm this date in late October
a final visit to the home
of my twenties
before the beast of winter
and it's unpredictable nature
nixes any chance of travel
without the risk of death

The 401 can be a treacherous path
in such conditions
but I always want another crack
before life shifts into a full slow down

I made my final plea
among my known associates
to join me at the last show
that began in Latin America and will conclude here

I wanted a travelling companion
to bide the time
during the two hour drive
before congregating
in the arena of echoes

Nick Cave's sermon
delivered on a Sunday evening
The Bad Seeds
and their insidious instrumentation
travelling beneath his poetry
frightening
enlightening
each meticulously constructed lyric
holding us captive
and spawning you
to grab my hand
when the elements of the narrative
unsettle the balance
of the known

But no one
wanted to be challenged
by alternative explorations
and I am sad to admit
the ticket may be occupied
by an invisible presence

After the show,
I thought we could make love
knowing that death may strike us soon
before these bodies layer
in preparation for the inevitable frigidity

I called upon friends
ex-lovers
knowing a woman
could be stirred
by his prophetic meditations

If only one of you
were near to me
this could be our night
to power off the devices
and meet at the entrance
and live what we write

The offer is open
but my device will be off at three
but if you are even slightly inclined
reach me before the afternoon
and wear something
so I can identify you among the masses
and I will share my night with you.