Mindscape

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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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