Oneway Streets Poem by JAMES T. ADAIR

Walking down these lonely oneway streets
I seem to be walking in circles that never meet
I look around and there is no hand to hold or lend
Just the distant passing of an occasional friend

All these lonely streets are dark and wet
wrought iron lamplights dimly light my way
I've long ago thrown my map away
And hang my head as sadness turns grey

I'm thinking love is a two way street
and all my streets go only oneway
but no matter where I go or what I do
My oneway streets seem to lead me to you

I stop in a bar beneath the avenue's dingy sky
Its blinking neon heart-shaped sign, caught my eye
So I walked down three steps and soon became aware
Saw you in a chair with a longing distant stare

I'm thinking love is a two way street
and all my streets go only oneway
but no matter where I go or what I do
My oneway streets seem to lead me to you

You were holding your head in your hand
and the poeple around you didn't understand
How I wished I could wake you from your trance
as the band played lovesongs I'd ask you to dance

But the bouncer wouldn't let me near
because I hadn't enough for the cover or a beer
and I tried vainly to call out your name
So lovely, I remember, you looked the same

I'm thinking love is a two way street
and all my streets go only one way
but no matter where I go or what I do
My oneway streets seem to lead me to you

As I was pushed out the door I tried once more
but you didn't hear my calls, through your walls
It hurts to feel your love so close and to be turned away
knowing I've been searching for you forever and a day

The street laughs at me and the sky is crying
and inside I'm barely alive, I'm dying
I have nowhere to run to and nowhere to stay
so I keep walking my lonely way down streets one way.

I'm thinking, love is a two way street
and all my streets go one way
but no matter where I go or what I do
My oneway streets seem to lead me to you


© James T. Adair