(jack) Griffin
The ocean waves are active,
The breeze is nice and brisk,
The children play in the sand,
Towers and parapets with moat.
I am surprised that no one has noticed
My footprints in the sand.
Leaving the moving acres of tan and foaming water
I stand at a stop with two other folks,
Paying me no mind, they stand quietly.
The autobus approaches and the eager attendees tense.
They enter and I follow,
The conductor demands no toll from me.
To Baker and 72nd we approach,
A man pulls the stop line,
The carrier pulls to a stop and the man erects
I follow him off as it is my stop as well.
I stand ready to cross the street, and as I cross
The behemoth lurches forward and strikes me.
I bounce off of its front, landing painfully on the curb.
Bleeding from several wounds acquired from the crash,
I stand.
The city streets are buzzing,
The air is rank with fumes and smoke,
The denizens are busy scurrying about,
In bowlers, and two-piece suits with coat.
I am surprised that not one of them has noticed
The blood trailing my steps.
I call out, to no response,
To no aid, and no hope.
I continue forward and call again,
A man huddled in the corner of a building,
Freezing, like the heart of a cruel mistress.
He tensed when I cried out for help.
He heard me.
I approach the shivering man,
I inquire to his state, he quivers and remains silent.
I know you can hear me, I need help!
I grab his shoulder and pull him over to face me.
My arms fall limp to my side, in awe
The man staring up at me is a reflection.
I turn to flee, mixed feelings of doubt and terror
How could it possibly be? How can he be me?
As I amble forward the air becomes sharp and cold.
Bleeding and shivering, I fall to the ground amidst the crowd.
Fading, the day becomes night at 1:42pm.
The streets suddenly become deathly quiet.
Just another day in the city.
Copyright © Christopher Coleman | Year Posted 2009
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment