The Streets
By Brooke Palmer
I’d rather go down there with them
where the real stuff happens.
I want to know the ladies who
make themselves up like
psychedelic mannequins, bodies
emblazoned with blue leather and sparkles.
I want to browse consumer goods scattered
on the sidewalks, displayed without
“you break you buy” warnings.
I don’t mind waiting in line where people
talk to each other rather than averting
their eyes. I appreciate the beauty of crumbling
earthen brick and tagged abandoned billboards.
I’d rather go down there and see what’s up,
what music is being bourne of the streets.
