Street Lamp: 21st and Union in Bakersfield - What Would Emily Write About This?

Last night I sat at a stop light and wondered what it would be like to sit with Emily Dickinson at this very same intersection. It is a seedy part of town, known most for cheap motels inhabited by crackheads with the main street populated by prostitutes in various costumes with the same comatose facial expression. I was on my way home, a routine, when I opened my eyes to “write with Emily” I was able to see this place differently.

Here is what Emily helped me write.

 

 

 

Street Light, Corner of 21^st and Union

Electric orb

Sharing luminousness with the

Members of the pearly ancient profession

And the shaking, tittering loose toothed

Hungry for the next, next, next….

As well as the cars who have lost

Their way and landed

Underneath you

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot    

Be sure to "Like" WritingCampwithJJS on Facebook (THANK YOU!) 

© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

Comments

[Annis Cassells]

I know that corner and love your images. xoA

[Beth Camp]

I'm glad the muse visited you! The poem is both dark and lovely.