Watching is Safer

Sometimes watching feels safer than stepping forward.

I was assigned to the city�"
a broken toy
no one wanted.

The screams,
the whispers through tears,
prayers that don’t have the faith of a flea,
the simple math of remorse,
flagging taxis in the rain.

I stand with impotent eyes,
watch with empty pockets
under the neon jazz.

I want to bleed,
to tumble into irreverent choices.

Feel something real�"
cold cement,
aching feet.

I want their importance.

The sour taste of failure
on their tongues.

The scorching desire
of love.

I grab at the heat from the streetlight,
the tears and celebrations that don’t need me.
I could come down, join the chaos�"
but I turn my back.

There’s no danger in watching,
though it tastes like decay.

Author's Note

I recently posted a new long-form reading on my YouTube channel — the first half of my short story Whoops!, along with two poems, There Was a Time Without the Internet and Under My Bed. If you enjoy hearing poetry and stories read aloud, you can find it here:

👉 YouTube Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq0UTaJahjg

All of my books are available on Amazon, and I truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to read, listen, and support the work.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

The speaker here is of two minds. There is an attraction to the vibrance of the city, but this is bounded by an awareness of its danger. The title suggests the stronger choice. I agree.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, John. I appreciate it.

[Mauricio Montoya]

You always rock my boat, you're great with words but sometimes when I read your work, I find a dable in two meanings , but I do love to read because it keeps me wondering.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[red93]

Fabulous Thomas - how well you sum up the whole ethos and the zeitgeist. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you.