a monster and man on elm street.

i wait on the street

for the light to turn from red

a man stands on a parallel plane,

looking dead ahead

his hands clutch an umbrella handle

as he stands with a monster.

tall, lanky, and dark—

for a minute i can hardly see

this strange series of events

unfolding in front of me.

i frown, ringing some of the rain out of my hair

and he glares at me oddly,

like the first time he’s ever been aware

that i’m standing there.

i carry myself across the street

as the monster holds out the umbrella

covering the man’s and my feet.

i don’t know what he was holding when i left.

but the umbrella was gone,

and the monster had stalked away,

i think he laid the newspaper on a puddle for my feet.

we part, and i dry off

he smiles, and i bid him adieu

i walk back home,

and fall asleep dreaming only of you….

…

…

i shake my head.

the light was green.