Chicago, 2004
~After Carl Sandburg's Chicago [1914]
Candy Capital of the World,
Deep Dish Pizza Baker, Seller of Futures,
Trader of Fortunes, Strider of the Magnificent Mile,
Soupy, Stalwart, Honking,
City of Suburbs.
They tell me your traffic is severe and I believe them, for I have shoved through your
expressways and streets at rush hour.
And they tell me your winters are wicked and I answer: Yes, it is true I have felt your
piercing teeth gnaw my bones and your gales whip the sight from my eyes.
And they tell me you are merciless and my reply is: On the hardened leather faces and
empty, out-stretched hands of the drug addicted and homeless I have seen the tinge
of sallowness.
And having acknowledged so I look into the faces of those who stand agape gazing at the
wonder of my adopted city, and I see my reflection and say to them: Come my
friend, come and tell me of another city with such big shoulders so luminescent
with opportunity and fierce and bold and confident.
Advancing from the subway amid the morning race of suits and cell phones, here is a five
foot, seven inch competitor glittering against the city's litter;
Strong as bailer's twine cutting calloused hands fisted for action, navigating with the uncanny
accuracy of a chick sexer,
Scarf headed,
Preparing,
Planning,
Composing, decomposing, and recomposing.
Under the train tracks, water on her heels, walking with the smirk and speed of Ceres,
Under the pressure of tomorrow, striding as a younger woman would stride.
Striding even as a fool walks off a cliff.
Smiling and striding certain that the life in her step will lead her to the next, and in her heart
flows the blood of the people,
Racing!
Echoing the soupy, stalwart, honking laughter of Youth, suited, knuckling, proud to be
Maker of Quality Candies, Baker of Golden Crusted Deep Dish Pizza, Financial
Engineer, Trader and Strider of the Magnificent Mile.
Poetry Index