.
I wander through the grimy lanes
Through the thick dust and haze
As the dying afternoon slowly yields
To the creeping dusk over the trees
.
My legs on the cobbled path
follow each other in weary paces
As my nose cuts through the still air
Dense and acrid with crushing despair
.
Up ahead in the street I see
A milling rabble, gung-ho and noisy
Unruly men and women alike
Unthinking in their aimless churn
.
A few listless souls on the side
Forlorn faces falling behind
Betraying defeat in their empty eyes
But, eager to keep up with the rest
.
I walk drawn to their drawn faces
The dim eyes and unsure legs
As they dawdle bewildered
Their stifled wits hiding shy
.
Yet in that sorry milieu
A few beaming faces abound
Spring in their legs and joy in their eyes
Stirring through the torrid throng
.
Closer I go up to the swirling crowd
To study the faces and feel the zest
To walk a few paces with them
Through the madding, befouled air
.
I scan the friendless faces galore
To find a smile or a welcome nod
Or a warm fellow with kindred spirit
That can speak to my weary heart
.
Deep in that stormy field
People and people all the way
I know I can find such a few
If I can make my way through
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Mindscape 