I Walked the Streets of San Francisco

I walked the streets
Of San Francisco.

Amongst a hundred thousand
Eyes that never met.


Faces walking afraid of meeting
With expressions – Fresco.

Eyes down, counting sand
Or avoiding gum still wet.


Herds moving thru Valleys
Of man made egos.

Taller, Bigger – replacing the old
With glass and plastic faces.

Graffiti everywhere by those….
Who once played with Legos.

Screaming out in paint so bold
Searching for what or who “goes”.


I walk in the Valley
Of buildings that want my soul.

And the homeless beggars
Who want my change.

Master Charge, Discover, and Visa
Hands are out, from the tall plastic faces.

18 cents more for bus fare, 80 cents for Yogurt
or just spare change.





I walked the streets
Of San Francisco.

Thru the Valley's of nameless faces.

Amongst a hundred thousand
Eyes that never met.

I looked up
At tall buildings that
Wanted my dollars.

Then down at beggars
Who wanted my change.


As I walked thru the
Valley’s and plateaus.

I recognized that same
Black spot.

Its’ shape had become familiar.

Sidewalk Mosaics
Of blackened dry gum.

Windows big and small
Plastic and glass with aluminum faces.

I walked the streets
Of San Francisco.

In a place of many faces.

Eyeless faces
Laced in plastic or glass.

And found my own soul
Encased in glass.

copyright Donald Y. East