leverage

Muddy sneakers won’t cover it.

Neither will the spent butts, bottles

or broken glass cut it.

The cyclists swerving fenders weekly

can’t peddle a deal.

 

The vagrants,                                  (construction men)

the real backers,                             (and forthers)

from site to Corner Mart,

of these middling lawns

for their brown bag booze           (lunches)

haven’t even spooked a petition.

 

These 1950s burbs aren’t that nice.

Now classed “urban,” but passed by,

their chipped brick, carports, and

rusty awnings are the next to go,

after the owners. Because out here,

the estate sale this week

means remodeling next week

for more student housing.

 

Meanwhile, the lawns remain,

so pedestrian,

and perilous at that.

 

What will it take?

Must someone die,

maybe one of these banker’s kids,

in order to get a sidewalk?

 

-MKS