The Lights on Eastern Avenue

- William J. Gibson -

 

Driving to see you late one night

it  was colder than I thought it would be

when we talked on the telephone

we laughed and laughed

 

Phoneland is always warmer

 

I followed the salt truck along Eastern Avenue,

along the curve down from Queen Street East.

 

The wind and snow,

partners from the old days

worked hard together,

meant for each other,

one pushing the other

 

I caught four green lights

and then an amber

where I didn't wait

 

It was no night to drive

 

You always put me in mind to hurry