Jazz in my dreams I wake dirty,
looking down alleys for a
hidden piano,
brushed high hat.

Dogs rip paper sacks
biting tails in first snow,
while cars fly by on Main Street.

I haven't had a cigarette in a week,
smoke is everywhere,
& I just noticed the clock isn't set.

Wendy Cartwright is a poet, author, photographer, and freelance journalist who lives in Columbus, Indiana. Her travels have taken her as far as Mayan Ruins and as near as the filling station. Her undiscerning tastes allow her to find creative fodder regardless of location. She has been published in various magazines, newspapers, print anthologies and featured in online publications. She has also published four books. With Chris Dean, Wendy is a co-founder of Keeping the Flame Alive Press.