Anything Can Happen

desert wind

There was a desert wind
blowing that night.
It was one of those
hot dry Santa Anas
that come down
through the mountain passes
and curl your hair
and make your nerves jump
and your skin itch.
On nights like that
every booze party
ends in a fight.
Meek little wives
feel the edge
of the carving knife
and study
their husbands' necks.
Anything can happen.
You can even get
a full glass of beer
at a cocktail lounge.
--Raymond Chandler
Red Wind