So Far Removed

The towering cold metal structures, adorned of glass, the bright orange of the sun mirrored in the reflections. The valleys, the peaks against the cobalt sky. Puffy white clouds circle. Accentuating the man made mercantile formations. At night in the cold of winter, as the northern wind howls , outcasts seek refuge at the base. Protection from nature’s wrath in their cardboard shelters. No thoughts of tomorrow; only survival of another night.

Within the shadows of the tall ships, ruin, rubble, despair, desolation. Vacant parcels of land strangled by weeds and tall grass. Untenanted buildings that might collapse if a whisper was uttered near the empty windowpane . Decaying roofs; shattered dreams. Gutters and downspouts disappear. The only treasures saved by the looters. Gutted, condemned buildings. The safe haven for those inclined to slip off into a drug induced coma. A fusion of odors - vomit, urine, feces - permeates the air.

The sprawl of the urban region reaches outward as an octopus stretching to grasp it’s prey. Neighborhoods lined with apartments and flats. Trendy lofts. Brick and wooden bungalows with their manicured lawns and flower gardens dot the various streets. Yet, still within the danger zone. In the back of their minds, a single word lingers. “when?”

The further from the city’s heart, the heartless congregate. The “Occupant”, “Resident”, “Our Neighbor” at 11430 Hummingbird Ln. reads an article in the morning news , as he/she sips hot coffee and mutters. “What a shame.” I look in their mirror and sadly see my reflection.