City Madness

City Madness

In the crush of city madness
I tune out the cacophony:
traffic honking, air brakes hissing,
tires squealing, pedlars peddling.
I listen for sounds of nature.

Pigeons strut, scurry and squawk
as they flock around the
park benches and potted trees
pecking at crumbs, ignoring
the parade of passing feet.

I slow my mind and search
for small plots of greenery,
oases of growth and beauty
that offer shelter and solace
from the asphalt and concrete.

Ignoring exhaust fumes,
the putrid stench of garbage,
I try instead to recall
pungent fragrance of cedar,
woodsy bouquet of forest trails.

I visit the city but,
my mind resides in nature.
I disdain the glass and steel
of commerce and industry
that may be gone tomorrow.