I have lived in multiple cities and they all have their own personalities conveyed everywhere in little ways. At the same time they are so hard to get to know, because we like to ignore these little depictions of the city, because they are often disheartening. Cities put harsh reality on full display.
I of course could be taking your meaning in writing these words, in a different way than intended, but I feel like you described this so well. I have often been the "little palms...lost in {the} photograph" and residing in ignorance.
Reading this a couple of times, I can see there's a profound meaning to it, and I like it. It makes the reader think and ask questions about what it's all about. Well done!
The strong description create questions and thoughts.
"What do you know of cities so proud and bland?
Of white birch trees and stolen lands?"
Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote
You could buy a map, a history book, hire a guide throughout the city, and explore yourself . . . But nobody could truly tell you the unending effort put into the construction of cities so proud and tall. The passion felt by the builders and the people as they erect their own cities upwards. The journey it took to create the city itself, and the tale of how a concept became a thriving center of human attention . . .
"No one will craft you a compass." It has never been truer. Well done!
No one will craft my compass? Hey I paid 89.99 for this dang thing and I better get my money's worth! You promised me direction! Where's your manager I want to complain! Argh!
Oh wait, I realized I missed the fine print. "Compasses may or may not be metaphorical." Darn it.
This one is short but it is a very strong contender for best poem of June 12, 2014. So congrats there. Keep pumping out those awesome poems, Rain!
"The Universe is made of stories, not of atoms."
~Muriel Rukeyser
"There is no one more rebellious or attractive than a person lost in a book."
“He allowed himself to be swayed by his con.. more..