City Dweller

by James C. Morehead

one

don't be angry when a computer spits out your card

falling on the floor

as you stumble to catch it

and you are locked out of

your porsche convertible

don't be angry

just try your card again

when you stumble to catch it

your keys will magically appear

two

downtown time theory states quite clearly that travel time is a function of rush hour

a concept conceived in the back of a northbound taxi at five o clock rushing home to sleep on the couch

three

apartment blocks are not a function of space conservation

they may be equated

to the abstract principle of conflict prevention through anonymity

case in point

a three week old corpse and german shepherd

howling through sound proof cage enclosed windows

discovered when the police came to evict for unpayed rent

four

public housing gangs

with guns held in brass knuckled fists

clenching stolen money

a pawn shop proprietor

counting out fifties

for the next protection payment

five

isn't it easier to witness a crime with fifteen friends from work

than spend a quarter on a two minute phone call

when the operators are out on strike