Asphalt And Concrete Don't Give Hugs

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees. - Thoreau

spit in the drought-stricken dirt and make mud

caught up in this ungodly flood

this devil's deluge

the streets are all crooked

never wide enough

every day traversing where so many others tread

the walking dead

dogs in heat

looking for someone and something to eat

choose your sin

stained glass and burnt candles

empty booze and pill bottles

spent needles and prophylactics

rubbing bankrupt lottery tickets

like a swarm of misguided crickets

nailed to a desperate, splintered cross

forgetting who's the boss

jail is like a vacation

trying to live in this evil city

what an abhorrent pity

battling loneliness with cigarette drags

finding only drugs

asphalt and concrete that don't give hugs

they just walk all over you

clinging to mere survival

waiting for a remiss revival

Author's Note

"A queen might be proud to walk where these gallant trees have spread their bright cloaks in the mud. I see wagons roll over them as a shadow or reflection, and the drivers heed them just as little as they did their own shadows before." - Thoreau

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

Pete, first, I love the intro quote. That's so rich and so brief, classic Thoreau. This poem is a poem for today. I worked in Washington, DC for many years, and I traveled other major cities, often using public transportation or walking. I remember those scenes every morning and evening. You've captured it so well in this poem. And, that image, nature breaking through what man laid, is perfect for this poem. Frankly, I'm surprised I'm the first to review this one. An exceptional poem, Pete.

[Pete]

sometimes i wonder if i'm alone in feeling as i do about things. they can be so surreal. how cool when someone can relate. i always like how you give "concrete" examples. thanks r.e. rock on my friend ... :)

[R.E. Ray]

You’re welcome, Pete.