Counting cracks on Essex Street Didn't see them coming for me Darted from the ATM and swore If I could make it to the dollar store I could play it cool For ten minutes Let them retreat To dark and dusty corners of our street Mr. Kim receives me with a smile I duck behind the contraception aisle Our friends file in and ask if I'm around One guy shoplifts a candy bar And spits on the ground Neon hums a harmony Fluorescent buzz sings me sweet Condolences for gray hairs earned in cold, low light Walking home from your house late at night