by Jim Mathrusse

So I'm standing here

Standing on a street corner

fresh pavement not yet worn

worn down by weary feet and

faded dreams

A patch of light gleaming

breaking night's darkness

the city's brightness belies

its dark nature

The true forces of nature

seemingly cloaked by

the neon intensity of man's

yearning

Chased from town

by the sheer weight of

human vanity

It is human nature to seek

light and sound

color and warmth

So

it must be our destiny

to replace nature in our own

image

amongst this apparent desolation

of a desert oasis

(2002)