Lost In New York

Lost in New York 

Brechtian  
city of Mahogonny
within the city of jungles
we make our way

The gilded city of Gotham 
Sketched forests of the mind 
Find solace under subterranean 
Metal cells of human life 

Thundering rattling cages 
Scream through iron rails 
Bring endless numbers to destinations unknown 
Like the heart pumps the blood through its Veins 

White washed city that I loved 
Of broken dreams with histories wiped clear 
Machines of structures that 
Feed the beast of time 
Distilled gentrified to non existence 
What filth lies concealed within its shadows? 

Speak truth to power Speak it loud 
Speak it clear and let the voices hear 
My beloved city in the city that I loved 

Hope dies slow upon its wounded ears 
Bankster's in pinstripes Swindlers and thieves 
That guards their treasure chests 
Behind the smiling faces a parody of jests 
Where gates are well guarded for their interest stakes  

Once a thriving town of manufacturing and workers 
Where coal became diamonds amidst the waving grass 
Now lies barren to a feudal class 
A tale of two cities in the city that I loved 

Fresh meat of an underclass to feed the paper tigers 
From their ivory towers 
Take the A train and see it plain 
Forget the past and future dreams 
Look into the eyes of listless streams of Passers going by 
Walk the halls of public schools 
The collateral damage of our times 

Bureaucratic mobsters defend their nich 
Through facades of  rancid smiles 
and fear that keep The rabble at bay 
as they talk of being one in the city that I loved 

But don’t despair  there are hero’s 
The ones who work the day and give without a say 
As we pass dark times I believe we will win our 
Spirit once again and our beloved city will shine 
Like a beacon on a shining hill 
in the city that I loved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace