City Rhythm

POSTED IN contemporary poetry March 28, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City Rhythm

Where is the rhythm in this city,
The heartbeat rule in every step
Where individuality fades
Into our common identity,
The single beat that binds us, yet
Is for us an empowering aide
Saving us in its security,
Releasing us from that fisher’s net
That tightens with each coin paid?

This rhythmless meandering roar,
This awkward cadence, disturbs my peace
Like unpredictable arguments
That rise in an apartment next door
Jolting you each time you fall asleep
Reminding you that life is torment
And that recourse to the civil court
Only adds to the discordant heap
Of rising civil defoliant.

I want rhythm like a prisoned man
Yearns an end to his imprisonment,
To carry his claim to dignity,
Who simply longs to take a noble stand
And live a life of calm contentment,
Shake his neighbour’s hand in amity,
Walk in open space on a safe land
Where there are no horns or whistles sent
Lauding his inferiority.

 

 

 

Garnet Shaw Robbie