The city has been my shelter as long as I’ve been alive, but I enjoy spotting any bit of nature in the city that I can. I was raised, for the most part, in suburbia and have spent most of my adult life studying and working in two world-class cities.
I wrote this little thing as I grasped what nature I could find in the city that day.
Urban Autumn
The city, its nature of exhaust and concrete, I lament.
The tresses of autumn cut, what’s the consolation?
Indeed, the head of the forest has been shaved to cement.
The only saving grace is my imagination.
On my stroll one day past the trees of high-rises,
I caught a glimpse of a tree, lone and genuine.
How stark it struck me towering, a pillar of brilliance;
I paused for its beauty amidst the downtown din.
Of a flower in blossom, this tree reminded me,
Stemming green from its trunk, it rounded to a flower’s image.
The outer edge of leaves donned a blooming shade,
As if the tree was budding a halo of crimson orange.
A second glance revealed its leaves a firecracker,
As two colors appearing, then bursting in the sky.
Shining emerald in the center, framed by an outer ring
Of reddish gold that illuminated my eye.
Times turn as do leaves, now my tree a kaleidoscope.
Each visit, I beheld a new set of colors turned.
Reminded I was of creation’s resplendence and hope
As shades of rust, ruby, sage, and apricot burned.
Read the rest here.
I love the city too! I was born in Chicago, but then we moved to the suburbs, and that’s pretty much where I grew up. I’m back in the Chi for uni though, so I guess I was always a city girl at heart ahah! I feel you for sure. Thanks so much for sharing! I love your content and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Check me out sometime?
Mena from noirerewritten.com 🌷
Thanks, Mena; you are kind to say so. Chi-town is also a fascinating city! Do keep in touch. All the best, JM