Stay Alert

Another day in Chicago:
horns honking, train horns,

road raging, tires screeching.
Car accidents near every exit,

everyone rushing to work,
reading the corny signs

on the expressway: Click it
or ticket. I drive on the shoulder,

and it’s raining, even though
the weather said sun today.

The news talked about five
killings over the weekend,

and we know they won’t get
solved. Another day in Chicago,

and the Bulls lost again, but downtown
the buildings are still tall and

shining. I hope for brake lights,
so I can keep looking around.

My music is loud to keep me
sane while we’re all going to work.

I know I’m there when I see
the tall tree with no leaves.

Chicago is both boat horns
and gunshots, all at the beach

on a holiday weekend. Hear
the sound of waves, then cars

as we all run, cars in the air
practically flying. But that is

just another day in Chicago,
and I am witnessing the world

around me unfold from behind
the wheel.
At work, in the parking lot,

I think about how
I survived another day.