The City Poem by Nick Downer

it's the bright lights;
the vibrance and beauty
that makes me feel alive.
everytime i drive into the city at night,
it catches my breath.
shivers race down my arms
and it feels euphoric.
it makes me feel so alive
in every part of my soul.
the lights from hundreds of buildings
reflecting on the water, for the moment,
restores my faith in humanity,
in the people i share this beautiful city with.
i don't know what it is.
it's just the sight of something so beautiful,
and it makes me feel like im not alone.
the neon glaze of reds, blues, yellows,
makes me want to wander the streets for hours.
they pierce the darkness
with their artificial light.
then there is the quiet beauty
of the old buildings,
our nations centre,
and it is the centre of my aliveness.
i could sit in the shadows
of the gentle light they cast for hours,
the thought of their beauty
never leaving my mind.