Chicago in July

When the fireworks go off

and scatter all the rats
and the cockroaches
at Pulaski Park

and barista girls
lay worn and pantiless
in sundresses

drinking warm Miller Lite
by cracked windows

and the homeless
nestle in Lincoln Park back alleys

next to abandoned generators

and inoperable dozers

on a city
of useless machinery

where young couples grocery shop
and kiss hands

and a pitcher
is always losing
on one side of town

where Puerto Rican gangs
mug Buddhists for food

and old men
lumber across streets
at 2 a.m.

kittens shit in alleys

and the heat is too much

the old folks home
has three lights on

waiting

and the cops aren’t coming

© 2008 Lee Kitzis