36

CHRIS WILLIAMS

$1.32

you’ve seen the skyline
with its gleaming spires 

I’ve seen the streets
with abandoned buildings
libraries full of books
but empty of people

schools abandoned
for lack of students
causing others to burst
at the seams

you’ve seen the super-mega-ultra marts
with shining aisles full of trinkets 

I’ve seen the streets
with abandoned buildings 

former corner stores
boarded up and forgotten

homes abandoned
as families have to choose
between the roof 
and their food

you’ve seen the postcard

I’ve seen the city