---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Floating Island” Down in the Dirt, v206 (4/23) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Forbidden Library the Down in the Dirt Jan.-April 2023 issues collection book		get the 420 page Jan.-April 2023 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Downtown Traffic

Karen Lee Stradford

I wonder if I’ll ever get there.
Red lights are blinding me
as I inch towards
the Holland Tunnel.
I anticipate
riding through.

Along the way, I see
graffiti plastered
all over chipped
bridges,
broken walkways and
buildings,
torn curtains blowing
in the breeze
through broken windows.

At a dead stop, trucks hurl
past me.
I’m
boxed in.
Horns go crazy.
A cheerful man begs for money,
as he weaves in between cars,
selling water and cigarettes
jingling a silver, dented can.

Shift to park.
The tunnel is
the only thing-
out of order.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...