Humanity-choked street,
Bodies shoulder to shoulder
Hurrying somewhere.
Traffic at a standstill,
Automobiles competing with
Animals and carts.
A small stall
Halfway in the gutter,
Selling sugarcane juice.
Decaying buildings,
Edges smeared
By neglect.
An ancient woman
Sits on the ground,
Hand outstretched.
Smoke, dirt, filth
Permeate the air,
A film of misery.
The hoarders make
Sure nothing
Ever changes.