Just North of Boston City Proper

City life is millions of people being lonesome together. - Thoreau

Where I live,

 just north of Boston city proper,

I went for a walk on the edge.

There was a stiff breeze off the water this day.

As if there was no other way.

A very low tide made its presence known.

I could smell earth's salt and feel history's remains.

Like creation's laundry being rung out.

I just wanted to shout.

Seagulls and jetliners cut through the wind by increasing their throttles.

Running on the fuel of faith in living, loving bottles.

Trees sashayed and strutted below, as they flaunted their new spring suits of green leaves.

Rolling up their sleeves.

Homeless people were gathered nearby, smoking peace and drinking booze.

Don't ask me how they choose.

I'd forgotten to put on my watch before setting out.

I don't know exactly what hour it was nor did I really care.

It didn't matter.

Time was oblivion.

People went about their business like busybodies.

Doing everything and nothing.

Feeling left out if they didn't somehow join in.

Even if it resulted in sin.

For a desperate city, everyone was certainly doing a good job of hiding it.

Except for a young couple in front of the shelter screaming curses at each other as I passed by.

That moment in time just stood still.

God and I were on a first name basis.

Life is like the tide.

In and out, up and down.

Smile then frown.

I've seen and heard too much to ever be innocent again but if I was to be that was as close as I could hope to get.

But then again the story wasn't over yet.

I sat under the gazebo.

With so much more to know.

Where I live and where my spirit died.

Forgetting that I cried.

Rich man a pauper ...

... just north of Boston city proper ...

Author's Note

"What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?" - Thoreau

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate this poem on different levels....

been to Boston a few times...beautiful city...love the Boston Commons and Fenway Park...most beautiful ball park i have been to...and i have been to Wrigley several times...and the original Yankee stadium back in the 50's---
but yes...this poem reminds us of how we lose innocence by experiencing life...we can never view things the same...we get caught up in the sin and fury of life trying to do the best we can to stay on the topside of it all...
this poem is quite a journey for this Bronx kid...
j.

[Pete]

thank you j. so you've seen 'The Green Monster' at Fenway to the Bronx Bombers. so much history there from Ruth to Ted Williams. great city. how awesome that you've been there as well as NY and Chicago - all top notch cities. you're takeaway is well-summed. we try to do the best that we can ... :)

[barleygirl]

I love the way you've constructed a dynamic walk thru a part of town by showing vivid details, personifying nature, & striking a great balance between crafting strong realistic details while also playing with words (as always showing your love of vocabulary & how words sound together). I am struck by how dispassionate this sounds . . . no empathy or connection to what's being observed, instead like a movie camera recording without commentary. This aspect of being somewhat removed from things is something that I also do in the way I observe even intense scenes! This is one of your best most friendly approachable relatable pieces I've seen lately (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

i guess we can become hardened to things over time. we see what our hearts want to see. i appreciate your observations on what i was observing thank you Margie ... :)

[Nicole]

This is such a moving piece. I lived in Boston for a few years and I thought it was the happiest time of my life. I have friends, an amazing job, spent every single night on Lansdowne and I couldn't imagine life getting any better. But I think that no matter where we are, life is always going to be up and down. And since our lives have already been written, it doesn't matter where we are. I love though when we can walk through our cities and just reflect and when we live in the moment, nothing is unseen. I love the different scenes you've captured in this. It inspires me to leave my watch behind and capture my new city.

[Pete]

thank you Nicole. how great that you hold on to those fond memories. so you hung out near fenway on Landsdowne where they catch home run balls. great city Boston. lot's of history.
you're right - it doesn't matter where we are ... :)

"There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself." - Thoreau

[Sami Khalil]

A gorgeous poem with the perfect setting. You make us want to visit the place and enjoy all it has to offer. I see how it is bringing out the poet in you.

[Pete]

thank you Sami. what better thing to write about than what is going on around you ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

All wonderful. YOU ARE WELCOME.