October 25, 2003
Saturday - 12:45 am

On the Bus to Guangzhou

Bike with cart piled high with boxes leaning forward,
Rider leaning forward struggling to peddle.
Pregnant woman, side saddle on back of bike, sits on wire rack,
All bikes, old bikes, all.
So many people.
Sweeping.

Old woman in back of husband's small bike cart,
Facing backward, watching the past.
Roll up door stores: tires, food, repairs, equipment.
Auto mechanic thongs stick out from under car.
So many people.
Sweeping.

Baskets and baskets; dead chicken baskets.
Tijuana plywood awnings, broken brick houses.
Bamboo scafolding climbs high rises building.
The view from the top, exquisite.
So many people.
Sweeping.

Shacks in reeds, full service gas.
Modern hotel and golf course, gated from the farms and villages.
Sheet metal and rice paddy villages.
Barefoot in the mud.
So many people.
Sweeping.

Russian roulette traffic, betting against pedestrians,
Buses, bikes, and cars.
Right of way to those who keep moving
Faster, no rules apply.
So many people.
Sweeping.

Banana plantations, fruit hanging in blue plastic bags.
Industrial zone, bulk plants, smoke stacks.
Factory and office.
No parking.
Too many people.
Sweeping.
Sweeping.

Sweeping.

 E-mail Joann Flora

©Compliments To Your Health
Joann Flora 2003

 

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