This Nobody Walks In La

In a town where one’s car MUST IMPRESS
I am in a permanent state of undress
Without said car 
I don’t go far
When I leave my lair
I walk everywhere
There are cats I greet
Even a human or two I meet
I have become fit 
Bit by bit
My temper no longer frays
On L.A.’s “free”-ways
I am unlikely to injure or be injured
By drivers bothered and bewildered
Surely my mandatory health insurance account
Deserves a discount?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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

Romios Avatar
August 22, 2022 at 6:39 PM
Hi Sharon! I can relate to having no car. It’s a pleasure to meet people and their animals. In a small city, unlike LA~public transport is very limited. I would have to walk miles to get to a store where I live now. Yikes in 104 heat? No way. Big cities all have ramp problems, I think. At least no snow in LA. Smile! Panagiota
Woodrow Avatar
September 9, 2020 at 3:28 PM
enjoyable read...yeah, you definitely deserve a discount for no more driving stress..worst carpool lane I ever experienced was in LA on my way back north from San Diego...I was forced to do 90 mph but it still wasn't fast enough..
Keely Avatar
September 10, 2020 at 8:16 AM
I don't know how people do it every day. My last year of L.A. commuting was as a passenger in a minivan - even that was nerve racking!
Wolf Avatar
September 3, 2020 at 6:46 PM
Exactly what I was thinking all the way down the L.A. Freeway --- insurance, insurance, insurance. lol. Enjoyed that surprise ending, Sharon. Write on! Smiles for Miles, Gershon
Keely Avatar
September 6, 2020 at 7:02 AM
Insurance and taxes, major aspects of California living! Thanks Gershon.
Krutsinger Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 1:13 PM
This makes such a poignantly wise point. " L.A.’s “free”-ways" The irony!
Keely Avatar
August 30, 2020 at 9:20 AM
On my more cynical days, the heavy irony in the name of the city, and its many "saint" subdivisions, is all too apparent!
Leffanta Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 11:34 AM
My youngest sister was flattened on the Hollywood Freeway, and next youngest sister flattened by a police car in a school crosswalk, so driver or pedestrian, LA is a danger zone! per Moms Mabeley, "Forget the lights! The lights don't kill anyone! Keep your eyes on the cars! That's what will kill you!" Aloha! Rico
Keely Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Crikey Rico, sorry to hear about the sisses. And nice to hear Moms invoked!
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 11:16 AM
Hello Shoron Keely,Some people do walk to the grocery store for a few items. When a full grocery is needed then a car is needed.Enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 29, 2020 at 12:24 PM
Hello Sharon thank you for the tip. Enjoy your day my friend.
Keely Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 11:45 AM
You too Darlene - and I recommend Vons delivery service, it saves a lot of hassle.
Allison Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 10:29 AM
You made me smile Sharon walking is definitely healthier and you are wealthier not having to deal with vehicle costs - I too walk as often as i can rather than drive:-) hugs Jan xx
Keely Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 11:47 AM
Hugs to you Jan! I'm getting ambitious, dreaming of the Camino Santiago - and forgetting ten blocks seems to be plenty...
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace