Toronto Mug II - Slaughter Beach, Dog

Counting cracks on Essex Street

Didn’t see them coming for me

Darted from the ATM and swore

If I could make it to the dollar store

I could play it cool for ten minutes

Let them retreat to dark and dusty corners of our street

Mr. Kim receives me with a smile

I duck behind the contraception aisle

Our friends file in and ask if I’m around

One guy shoplifts a candy bar and spits on the ground

Neon hums a harmony

Fluorescent buzz sings me sweet

Condolences for gray hairs earned

In cold low light walking home from your house late at night