I long for oneness with my city
Yearn for the clatter of the L
The cacophony of sound as it rushes overhead
Drowning out everything in its pass
In the city, pain is commonplace.
Found in the jiggling cups of the panhandlers
Read on the signs at the intersections
Heard late at night as sirens scream into the darkness....
RESCUE ME!!
In the city, anonymity is commonplace.
Found in the lack of greetings
Read on the faces of passersby
Heard in the exchanges of close friends
Pain and anonymity are accepted as openly as alternative lifestyles
They aren't hidden behind closed doors
They aren't lurking in the shadows
They aren't camouflaged with mountain views and sunshine
They don't attack me, don't catch me sleeping
In the city, I'm always on guard
Always concerned for my safety
Always aware of my surroundings
The city is not what I need to be wary of, everything is known
Here everything is uncertain, unclear, unchartered
I long for my city with its well known paths of pain and suffering
How often have I negotiated myself through its streets coming out without a scrape
I know which busses to ride, which trains to avoid
Here I get lost going around the block
Here a homeless man surprises me at my car
I know not what to avoid
I know nothing of the streets
Beautiful sunshine turns to rain
Manicured streets lead to dark alleys
Why did you bring me here?
Why did you cast me off into the unknown, without a word of caution?
How long will these memories carry on their assault?
Fighting the temptation to run....the city beckons
Finding it difficult to turn my back...she's been such a good friend.
