Oil and Water

Streetlight strikes the cracked sidewalk,

a puddle lies in a cracked smile.

Rainwater stained with oil slick—

a slick of glass, shattered neon lies.

Colors ripple, broken signs, flash fast,

the gutter’s oil painting in a pool.

Cars hum by, engines thrumming deep,

a low bass where light and shadow pool.

I lean in close, fingertips hesitating,

watch the colors break then blend.

A beauty made from dirt and gas,

dirty water I can’t defend.