The rain comes down
on MacDougal Street
as tea goes cold
in the cup
and the Chinese girls
speak Mandarin
while the rain
comes down
on MacDougal Street
Italian opera plays
as the waitress
bumps through
the crowded tables
and chairs
Outside
people run
under coats
like silent Banshees
on parade
while the rain
comes down
on MacDougal Street
The awning
catches a gust
of wind like laundry
drying in the sun
Drunk girls
puff unsuccessfully
on damp cigarettes
With the check comes
the smiling-for-the-tip smile
and time to call it a night
while the rain
comes down
on MacDougal Street
(D. James)
