The Asker... Poem by RIC BASTASA

i hear the sounds of engines
running the road, and then the children
holding hands lead by the mother
there are screeches of brakes
a busy street, a mob of people
an entrance to the mall filled with
so many people,
i see a taxi unloading passengers
i chance upon a falling rain
and two lovers running for shelter
blinking lights against a dark night
smoke from the lips of waiters
clicking high heels of women on
shiny tiles,

how can i just be another disinterested
onlooker? how can i seal my ears and
live a world where i am just the only
occupant?

how can i cease to be this one kind
of child asking so many questions?