STREETS Project > the blue gate on holland gardens

the blue gate keeps the crowds out
of the frumpy front lawn.
cause people run riot
over useful things
that are easily accessed.
and the man at 18 holland gardens
stands solemn guard
at his bay windows
with the half sunburst
pattern border on top,
glimpsing through
the vertical blinds,
tearing himself away
from the daytime running repeats
of deal or no deal.

we're wired to jittery
human needs,
innocuous enough i suppose
yet when the kids are daring enough
to run and shout
and swing wild arms
the man at 18 holland gardens
takes the time
to roll the papers
into a tight blackjack
and stand by the door
waiting, waiting
for the moment
when some unfortunate boy
enters the blue gate.

the blue gate waits
at 18 holland gardens
like a tiger in the grass
silent and still
with sharp eyes blazing in the sun.

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