Urban Decay

Oh how I long to see
some beauty in this city.
See sunlight stencil patterns
through girders in the sky.
Streets with no reported crime
whilst a racist cop walks by.
Sit in calm green spaces
of the mugger's roundabouts.
Meditate the joys of life
though thought's drowned out by shouts.
Fine churches and cathedrals
to make up for their sins.
Food enough for everyone
piled up in the bins.
Everybody smiles at you
in case you might be mad.
The milk of human kindness
destined to go bad.
The friendly hand that greets
as the other holds you down.
The folks who'll always be here
'cos they can't escape this town.
See the bigger picture
through tired and jaded eyes.
Supporting what you know and love
by tricks and compromise.

Manic Martin (transcribed November 2009)
Manchester and beyond