Original; One Eye on Beauty

[bergann]

One Eye on Beauty
There are muddy wrappers crumpled on the pavement
carried down the streets as they ride the wind
It has water trickling down the sidewalk
soaking shoes before the sewers take it all in
keeping the city afloat on dripping stones

There are feet running, yet walking leisurely down
the cobbles that are chipped & broken & whole
It has tall buildings that frame the streets
locking them in cold stone and grey existence homes

There are screams in the night as a purse is stolen
as a woman is attacked and a car rolls off the road
It has the smell of sewage & exhaust & fumes
which seems so random in the spaces of their feet
like all the moments they pass right by

There are streets awash with red, but not always blood
rather pride for a team that unites them with hope
It has places for all to come together to fight
to celebrate & to finally feel like they belong

There exists so much imperfect and unseen
that can still be perfect like the bright blue sky above
Everything is so beautiful & terrible & dangerous
available to those who wish to look up and understand
that they will forever know this city as their home.