Face of the City

(This is the image of a semi urban city of India)

The glow of a late Autumn Sunset,
Gleams over the dense city streets.
Rushing wheels and honking horns,
Halt awhile for the traffic signs.

Through the rows of rushing motors,
Men on bikes plough their way.
They squish and squeeze through every gap,
Caring a naught for the traffic rules.

With jarring siren, the Ambulance van,
Speeds past for emergency aid.
The patient inside, in writhing pain,
Lies stressed on every hurdle raced.

Ladies holding children in hands,
And people bent with growing age,
Remain planted at the zebra cross,
Waiting to move to the opposite side.

As the tired people back from work,
Hurry away to reach their homes,
The jovial band in easeful mood,
Treads towards the city parks.

Fortune tellers with their Tarot cards,
Hold their clients in great suspense,
The street hawkers on tiled pavements,
Squat beside their cheap merchandise.

Scores of men who tread on foot,
Grow to Hundreds in a short awhile,
These are folks right from the show,
The Block buster has drawn hoards of men.

When young Dandies in tawdry dress,
Dally round with their ladies love,
Street urchins in tattered clothes,
Go searching in the garbage pile.

While decrepit old beggars lie drowsy,
On the cement benches in wayside shelters,
The affluent Sahibs in plush restaurants,
Feast on their cocktail dinners.

The city thus with its motley crowd,
Paints life in contrast shades,
For Fortune, with her alluring charms,
Favours a few and leaves the rest.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Daniel Avatar
June 7, 2023 at 5:24 AM
I live in one such city, Valsa, awesome description:)
Kendrick Avatar
June 6, 2023 at 12:37 PM
That is the way life goes. I appreciate you sharing the everyday way of life for us to see in this descriptive and expressive work. Your visit to my page was encouraging. Sara
Poet Avatar
June 6, 2023 at 10:21 AM
With remarkable insight, your poem, Valsa, expertly captures the city scene and the perseverance of its inhabitants in the face of life's challenges. It is truly impressive how people find ways to carry on, as you have so eloquently depicted.
Pandit Avatar
June 6, 2023 at 5:33 AM
You brought forth the city scene for the reader with this insightful poem, Valsa. Amazing how people manage to carry on despite the many hurdles of life-- as you so ably portray. Best to you.
Mcintosh Avatar
June 6, 2023 at 1:57 AM
Amazing imagery... a blessing, a heartthrob, a song. The city is not my home. I'm a country girl at heart, but this poem is quite extraordinary. I enjoyed so. God bless you friend. Love, Gina
Andresen Avatar
June 6, 2023 at 1:45 AM
- A vivid picture of a busy and noisy city, Valsa - A city with many faces of good and bad - I could never live in such a city ... I need fresh air ... without human noise ... listen to nature , birdsong and the waves - hugs
Buhagiar Avatar
June 5, 2023 at 11:11 PM
I could easily imagine myself in such a busy street, so well depicted. Well done.
Rolland Avatar
June 5, 2023 at 10:58 PM
a wonderful and photographic scenery, so vivid and precise, i would like to jump in a plane and visit this town , thanks for the beautiful and touching poem
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