Proof of Life
this steady din of life with its
trebles and rhythm
discordant yet belonging
concrete and weeds
Abandoned buildings
makeshift playgrounds
labs
and Koch
jaywalking was a way of life
staring around corners
waiting for the dolls to move
Spalding handball and boomboxes
new concrete and skateboards
in the city gloom
turning all grey, blue
Hell’s Angels and Encampments
Artists and hucksters
But its denizens didn’t