Standing On The Corner Poem by Juan Olivarez

Standing on the corner, waiting for the light,
Watching the hustle and bustle.
Watching the people, rush to work,
Rush to the coffee shop,
Rush to get a breakfast sandwich,
Rush to the news stand,
Rush to hail a cab,
Rush to the subway,
Rush into buildings,
Rush out of buildings.
What a fast paced life,
The light changes,
And I remain.
I want to watch this some more,
But the crowd pushes me forward,
Even if I want to stand still,
I can't,
My will is not my own,
The city's will is imposed on mine.
And I realize,
I am a pawn, on a giant chessboard.

8/1/11 Alton Texas