City Bop, a poem by Aaron Millado

CITY BOP by Aaron Millado

With each improvised step planted on the trembling gravel one discovers the energy of the city.

Jackhammers like woodpeckers drumming to the harmony of honking horns and flashing letters

Caution! This is no place for no casual observer— hiding behind a dr dre hard hat

Trying to drown out the psychedelic inducing xylophonic chimes of sirens and small businesses.

This is no place for no passive traveler— who dares not bask in the spontaneity that lurks

Beyond that cemented reclusive exterior falsely advertising with neon lights of an ‘'energetic’’ façade.

This is no place for no stiff tin soldier— greeting faded faces with the same blank smile

Fabricated with Steve Jobs’s cursed gift to mankind, bending to what’s left of one’s free will.

No—This is a place where people create symphony from cacophony with the souls of their striding feet.

This is a place where graffiti is modern art; fast food is fine dining; And street performers are Broadway stars.

So get up! Bop; to the lights, to the sound to the new life that you have found And chill! ‘Cause Methodical machines make lousy human beings.