Black, Red & Checkered

There is nothing like
     black, red & checkered
          on a rainy day.

Somewhere a woman is polishing
     and painting her nails
          with a deep dark red
             nail polish.

There is nothing like
     black, red & checkered
          to lighten up your day.

She moistens her lips with
     a cat-like curiosity,
     and the sky purrs at her elegance.

The sun is full of love like
     a golden perfume of Aphrodite.

The gentleman caller walks in
     with a silver change in
         his pocket.

The room is alive with flowers.

There is nothing like
     black, red & checkered
          on a muggy afternoon.

The moon has a slippery feel to it,
     as the ocean throws it back on
         the surface.

There is nothing like
     black, red & checkered
          on a dark night of my youth.
 

                         October 22, 1987
                     --Alexander Shaumyan