Tailor-made

I can forego the seeming advantages of cities without misgiving. - Thoreau

like a crude joke whispered in the back of a church

walking down the artificial avenues of this prophylactic place called a city

trying to think of words that rhyme with pity

inconspicuously seeking to fit in

on phony streets that lead nowhere

not sure if i'm cool or a fool

i pass by people without a leg to stand on

both literally and figuratively

with their airless chests puffed out

it's okay

as long as they have a cigarette and the rest of today

we all hide behind masks

now they're visible and real

in this three-ring circus of life

i wear the religion of my tattered soul in a faithful, double breasted, birthday suit

worn out and distressed

it's okay

at least i'm dressed

with chapped lips and comfortable rags

souls worn and heels missing

floating on dancing shoes of suede

fitting just fine

my daily outfits prayed

tailor-made

Author's Note

"Deliver me from a city built on the site of a more ancient city, whose materials are ruins, whose gardens cemeteries." - Thoreau

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

reminds me of an old song by Gene Pitney..."A Town without Pity"
"it isn't very pretty what a town without pity can do"
there are those feeling downtrodden in the city, but there are always others even worse off.
I lived in the city, the big one in NY....and I am now "Thank God, a country boy"

open spaces, more friendly faces...and wearing very comfortable rags...
I really like the "prophylactic place called a city"
and those poor folks in rags....living for that next cigarette...and to survive one more day.
excellent write, Pete.
j.

[Pete]

the city can be very unforgiving, intimidating. to me it's just a artificial facade. so many people crammed into a small area, the pace so fast. give me the wide open countryside any day. you can breathe, think and be yourself there. thanks for sharing j ... :)