The street lamp shines on a space
a front yard wide and three cars long
even the squirrels aren't fool enough
to be out at this hour of night
 
but if a nervous young lover stops
for a deep breath of confidence
if a drunk looking for a friendly pillow
needs a hand from the curb to the door
if two porch sitters sit chatting
appreciate a little mood lighting
if the moths and their colleagues
congregate for some purpose of existence
if and always if a need should arise
the lamp shines diligently