City of Progress

Who knows why it's hot
all fall? The streets blaze
with sunlight and the glare
off buildings blinds. The capital

is crammed with lives
(since the country joined
a global trade union).

So much striving in so
many directions. Stern stone faces
drifting by on weary bodies.

Choked and fitful traffic.
Gagging smog that sears
the lungs. Constant construction

covering the government's former face
with fresh clean gleaming gloss.



.