An observation

From the fourth floor of my lecture hall
The city was layered with lines—lines
For alleys of dog-walked lanes; 
Lines of paltry bureaucrats—lines for
Bricks of stone-strong walls; and
Lines of trodden rats. 
In an effort to advert my sight, I was spared
From the weight of old—and the eyes
Hazed deep above—
To gaze into an ash-mixed world.

Dale Chou
2002-12-17