By Lukas Franken I
many people find solace
in the old midnight diner
snuggled in a cozy alcove
hidden in the shadows
under the spiderweb of
colored lights
in Tokyo’s most vibrant alleyway
illuminated by the soft light
of the moon overhead
gentle buzzing neon
signs provide a soundtrack
to this movie’s scene
amidst the silent chatter of
hovering passersby
gliding on two feet
or four
no matter the time
at least one table will be occupied,
though not always by one who is seen,
by someone in search of rest
for peace of mind
a rest of soul
of one who spent that night
tossing and turning
rolling and groaning
or of one whose apartment
is lost in a coffin
dead to the world
in need of slurping a
bubbling bowl of ramen
to stay sane.