The Diner Never Closed

The Diner Never Closed

 by Charles Rossiter

Nothing like empty streets

moonlight on wet asphalt

red light at midnight

no one else around

waiting for the Block Island ferry

sea gulls in the air, on the pier

coming into Ocean City

that salty seaside smell

how close did I come

what were their names

vinegar those french fries

and pass the salt water taffy

in the photo under street lights

her hair was black and shining

the diner at North and Western

never closed, not ever for Christmas