The Largest City

The largest city always burns
With the vibrancy of summer sun
The days will pass and earth will turn
The nights stretch out long, one by one.

The tumbling buildings, the broken roads
are children we refuse to own
Their wounds and scars speak to us in code
We are deafened by their quiet moans.

We dream at night of a place that lies
Softly, between sight and sound
On the streets, we search for it with eager eyes
She is a hoor that refuses to be found.

At night you can hear the city breathe
like a wounded body, in and out
The streets are calmed, they cease to seethe
Quiet shrouds city din and shouts.

The city rests at night while waves caress
the beach with blackened arms
The city's streets look strange undressed
A woman robbed of all her charms.

The night brings a peace not seen in the day
White sky days filled with heat and frustration
On all their faces. Such are the ways
Of a tormented nation.