the red lantern

or so i see
from above.

the light shines warm yellow from inside.
i waited till darkness made its way
noses red, wool and quick steps
embraced with wide black arms

i waited till all around were
lists of city silences preparing for country secrets

from above the light bled through the glass windows
for everyone to see, but there was no one there
no one there except the trees
and the rooftops leaning down

and you i waited for
to come smile quiet
legs crossed on the chair, under the table

i waited till there was nothing more to wait for
and i thought that, in the end, since i didn't know what i was waiting for,
i was just waiting for you.

for k-n