Carl Sandberg - Passers-by

(As I am just now finishing work for the day, only to go back tomorrow probably before the sun goes up, only someone like Carl Sandberg helps me realize that even though Atlas would like to, he doesn't always shrug. This is why.)

PASSERS-BY
Out of your many faces
Flash memories to me
Now at the day end
Away from the sidewalks
Where your shoe soles traveled
And your voices rose and blend
To form the city's afternoon roar
Hindering an old silence.
Passers-by,
I remember lean ones among you,
Throats in the clutch of a hope,
Lips written over with strivings,
Mouths that kiss only for love.
Records of great wishes slept with,

     Held long
And prayed and toiled for. .

    Yes,
Written on
Your mouths
And your throats
I read them
When you passed by.



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