standing packed like a sardine in a can
nowhere to sit, standing with arms in your face
minty breath and bad odors
pushing through the crowds to get out
freedom.

heat hits your face as you walk down the block
smoke travels up through your nose into your nostirls
people walking, shoving
crowds moving
impatient.

sun blasts down on you making your skin warm
cold air erupts from open doorways
always moving, never standing still
bypassing those who just stop as if stuck in the ground.

heels clicking
tight skirts
long perfect legs
bright hazy concrete burning your eyes.

Gold, we buy gold!
Diamonds, lady need a diamond!
no questions
just yelling, selling
work.