the fallen cities

you become nostalgic

for cities that thrived in the 40's

and fifties,

captured

in black and white

on film,

romance or adventure,

drama,

or noir.

the people look civilized

and well

dressed.

respectful of one another.

obeying

the laws.

everyone working hard.

the monuments untouched

by graffiti

or hammers,

no thousands on the streets

in violent protests.

the streets

not overrun by strangers

from afar.

whether Paris or Rome,

London

or New York,

it feels over in so many ways.

what was, has come

and gone.