streetlight

Streetlight, streetlight
Midnight's eye
Posted where it's safe
Up so very high,
Spotlight the rich and the poor
Point out the pimp and the whore
Keeping your side of the street
So crime-free,
They do their business
With the dark alleys.

Streetlight, streetlight
Show me where to run
In the park from some
Wilding's gun--
Ebony sons
Hunting my glowing skin:
Revenge of kin;
Direct me to the door
Of some second-hand club
Where used merchandise
Goes to elbow-rub.

Streetlight, streetlight
Flickering ever so
Guys placing bets
On when you'll blow
With the winner getting
The blanket tonight,
The others the Daily News
To keep out winter's might.

Streetlight, streetlight
Midnight's eye
How's the city look
From that heavenly spot you occupy,
Seeing all, and nothing done,
Shining onto stained street:
After-hours' sun;
You have the balcony seat
On Film Noir Avenue,
The best seat in the house;
Show starts after curfew:
Innocent bystander
Under cover of night,
Caught up in gangland crossfire--
Could he have been saved by the light ?

Go on to Brother, Can You Spare Some Truth ?

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