Near Midnight

It is nearly midnight
and there are several conversations happening
in my neighborhood.

Across the street to the northwest
a couple seems to argue, until one of them
says "Ronald Reagan," and then there is laughter.

Across the street to the northeast
I hear the crack opening of a beer can and a heavy voice
that grows angrier as others correct him.

I am going to bed.
No one else in this neighborhood
will be up before noon.