this city
that vibrates
with the rush and chaos
of synapse and sinew
this city
that vibrates
with the hum of networked urgency
data outdistancing comprehension
often the we can
beyond the reach
of should we
this city
teeming
with college’d clones
like-patterned minds
that surge with ambition
that submit to the agendas
good or bad
dreaming of early retirement
fearing an early death
this city
bedecked in stainless
and stone
poured
erected
glassen’d
this city
ablaze in halogen
aglow in neon
awash in tears
of the poor
this city
its haughty monoliths
of varying shape
differing size
flanked in concrete corridors
that criss and cross
blink and beep
that ring buzz belch hiss
— and stink
this city
that intimidates
in cold and calculated majesty
this city that amazes
this city that abuses
this city is in my blood
but it does not
hold my soul
no
it does not offer solace
to my human core
that seeks the folded petal’s mystery
that marvels at the smallness
of a changing frond
at the tart-sweet scent’d
gnarled bark
of mighty conifer monoliths
thrusting ever skyward
or the magic
of a budding branch
this city
does not touch my spirit
soothed by wind and water
thrilled by song of birds
or the swoop of hawks
this city
does not spark my wonder
stirred by the yelp
or bark
or bleat
of beasts
this city
cannot reach my soul
that needs to see a salmon’s trek
the open sky
the roll of unobstructed clouds
see the fall of stars
this city
has nothing for my soul
that needs to hear the crack of thunder
resound for miles across the plane
then off the mountain’s face
that needs the fresh embrace of rain
the crisp and quiet drift of snow
the hues and sway of living fields
this city
leaves my spirit cold
that needs to watch the orchard
blossom and bloom to fruit
see forests
thick beyond horizons
or feel the lift of cresting surf
no
this city
does not satisfy my need
to know the evolving natural wonders
that inspire
that swell my soul
that resonate my heart
this city is in my blood
but it does not hold my soul
and so I look beyond
for my tomorrow
*
rob kistner © 2021
Poetry at: dVerse
Poetry at: The Sunday Muse
Poetry at: Poets & Storytellers
Where to begin!! I am enthralled with your poetic description of “the City” ~~ and add to that, Neil Young & The Boss ~ two of my all time favorites. I’d never seen “Be The Rain” ~~ OMG. They knew what was happening then, tried to warn us. We were not good listeners. This read / this listen will stick with me for a good while. Thank you.
You are welcome Helen! I am so pleased this resonated for you!
Nature always triumphs over the city and your beautiful words capture that feeling well Rob!
Thank you Carrie.
wow love it My favourite lines
“hum of networked urgency”
“that seeks the folded petal’s mystery”
I can relate to it very much. I walk a lot and when I am in the hills and bush I am happy. That’s were my soul is connected.
I am very blessed though to live in Christchurch in NZ. A little paradise and nature is all on my doorstep In or bordering the city
Thank you Marja, very much. Wow, I have been fascinated by New Zealand for years. In 1970, after college, and being an avid motorcyclist, I had envisioned a trip to your beautiful country — and spending a month touring it on my Triumph Bonneville 650. It never worked out, so instead, I took a break from my rock band, and spent much of 1970 touring America on my motorcycle. It was my last Big Adventure, sleeping in tents, visiting communes, living off the land. Now at 74, I have failing health that prohibits any traveling much beyond some car tours in my Pacific Northwest. I spent 25 years riding, hiking the mountains and forests, and fishing the wilderness rivers and lakes of my beloved Pac NW. As of 6 years ago, and after 50 years of riding, I now can no longer ride my motorcycle, hike, or handle my fishing noat — the result of Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet. So I will never visit your amazing country, which breaks my heart. You are most fortunate Marja, to live in a part of the world I consider as beautiful as my PacNW.
Before I moved up here into Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (the most rural corner of one of the more rural states) I was living in highly urbanized central Connecticut (ie New Haven, my tiny apartment being on the border between rundown downtown and the Yale campus). I thought it was okay, all things considered, given the access to the “benefits” of all things urban and “convenient”, but…
Now I’m in heaven & My Beloved Sandra has trouble getting me to forego picking up all my necessities at the general store down in the village and accompany her on the 40-minute drive to what most urbanite folks would consider a to be smallish supermarket up in paved-roadville Newport.
“City Life” has become (for me, anyway) a total oxymoron.
Great work, Rob. Write on.
Thank you so much Ron. I can so relate sir. I love the wilderness world, though in the last few years, my health doesn’t allow me to immerse myself as much as I was accustomed to for 25 years, when I regularly hiked and fished northwestern Oregon. Kathy and I lived over 25 years in the Clackamas River basin, in thd western foothills of Mt. Hood, midst an old growth forest of Western Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir. Several of the nearby cedars were double-trunked. Our surrounding cedar stand averaged well over 125’ tall. One Red Cedar on our plot, quite near our house, was over 150’ tall, with a trunk diameter of 16’. The Douglas grew taller approaching 200’, but trunks were more slender, 8’-9’ diameter. Wildlife was plentiful. At night we would frequently hear the belling of deer, the cries of coyote packs, and the occasional growl and chuffing of a cougar as all these critters roamed the night. The western boundary of our property held a deer trail. It was not unusual to see a group of doe make the morning and evening trek down to, then up from Abernathy Creek, at the southern boundary of our property. In the mating season they would be accompanied by several fawn. One season we spotted a white fawn, and watched it grow through two seasons — then it disappeared. The call of hawks could be heard during the days, and the haunting night hoot of a variety of owl species, all on the hunt for Chickaree, Douglas Squirrel, Oregon Brush Rabbits, and other small critters that scurried about in abundance. The rata-tat-tat of big red Pileated woodpeckers, and the orange-headed, black and white spotted Northern Flicker punctuated our stand many times. My bird feeders were frequented by Goldfinch, red-headed House Finch, Sparrow, Junko, and Chickadee. The grating squawk of a Stellar Jay often broke the reverie of the day. Gorgeous birds, nasty calls! When Kath and I moved 5 years ago, into the lower-level 6-room apartment of my son and daughter-in-law’s home, up here in the northeastern Lake Washington area near Seattle, we left the wilderness living behind. We did so in recognition that my failing health would benefit from the increasing additional care I am requiring, and the assistance they can provide my wife in the providing of such. A big benefit is seeing our grandson Alex each day, watching him grow — helping out with his daycare, as may be needed. Kathy is 16 years my junior so she keeps up with Alex better than I, but I love helping! We still enjoy the beauty of nature here, nestled on the border of St Edwards State Park, on the northeastern shore of the lake. But all the conveniences of living near the suburbs are available, including being 10 minutes form my doctors and my hospital — which has already saved my life not long ago.
you have described all so well what a modern city is, with all its wonders and its sins. Alas, i have lived mostly all my life in the city and wake up to sights of water tanks and car parks, to sounds of car horns, elevators ringing and neighbors rushing to work.
Thank God for all the city parks we had, otherwise we would not know what nature is…
I agree D. Thank god for the little bits of nature that can be found in some cities.
Interesting–the division between human and nature present in every line, and the idea that cities make humanity something else. What if the desire to be something else replaces the desire for open spaces?
If we truly lose touch with the natural world, we will either perish, or transport to another planet. If we turn the planet into a dead planet, the weather will be so harsh, we will not be able to survive it.
While I was born in the prairie farmlands of Illinois, I’ve spent the last 50 plus years in Indianapolis. It is sort of a small town big city, but each time I moved it was always to the far edge of the city. My job required travel to many cities, but I always longed for open spaces. I identify with much of what you write, Rob, and share your need to be near medical facilities.
It is good we can escape in words!!!
Poetry are my grasp on sanity Bev.
I am not and can’t imagine being a big city girl. I love the mountains and trees and all that green too much.
You are swimmin’ in my pool Debi! 🙂
I have lived in that city. And I was so glad of what tomorrow promised… and then brought.
This would be lovely to hear read aloud.
I also know that city well Magaly. It has length, but I would love to read it aloud. Perhaps I will at the next OLN-Live. Thank you for the kind encouragement.
A rich, full description of the city. There is so much to take in, to love, to hate in the vibrating concrete and steel. Great writing!
Thank you Susie… 🙂
I do not think the city may capture my soul, but it tickles my mind, and maybe I would never appreciate nature if I never had the experience of a city.
I grew up a city boy Bjorn. But discovering the natural world early in life, the result of vacations every summer into the Canadian wilderness, with my adoptive father — it grabbed my soul, and never let go. The City stayed in my blood for years, but I finally completely surrender to my soul’s insistence, when my wife Kathy and I moved, in 1990, to live in the western foothills of Oregon’s Mt. Hood, midst an old growth forest. WOW! My spirit just caught fire, and I finally became alive to my true self. It’s paradise!
Oh my heart this is incredibly moving, Rob! Especially love; “this city cannot reach my soul/ that needs to see a salmon’s trek/ the open sky/ the roll of unobstructed clouds/ see the fall of stars.”
Thank you Sanaa! This poem almost wrote itself. It poured from the frustration, from the deep sorrow I feel acutely regarding unforgivable, outrageously abusive human treatment of this magnificent earth — and of each other. ;( I cried as I wrote this poem — even as I did the final edits today. We are ignorant fools — and I see little evidence that we want to, or can ever change! Maybe? I sure hope we can — because we MUST… NOW!
Rob you are a polished expert at the chant poem so this one was easy for you 🙂 I love the way you alternate between the sterility and powermongering of the city with the natural sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feels that mean home for the soul. Excellent writing as usual.
Thank you Lisa. And yes, repetitive reinforcement has always come comfortably for me. I enjoy using it. It works. It’s strong.
“this city is in my blood
but it does not hold my soul”
Good to know that there is more to reach for beyond the confines
Thanks for dropping by to read mine
Much????love
So much more! 😉
“this city does not touch my spirit.”
It never will.
This resonated strong with me. I particularly love this part:
this city is in my blood
but it does not hold my soul
Glad this reached you Sara. This poem is truly one from my heart, very personal. I grew up a city boy, rockin’ the concrete and night life. But it finally wore thin, and I found myself drawn to the natural world that my adoptive father had exposed me to when I was young, and which lodged itself deeply in my heart — and which I finally fully embraced with my 3rd and current wife, when I turned 43, in 1990, moving to the spectacular western foothills of Mt Hood in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains.
I like how you investigated both worlds so thoroughly. The city is described in layered detail, even although it doesn’t have the cadence that speaks to you.
The “city” was a big part of my living, and I lived it all in, with no excuses — it just never became my life, the one I find authentic and meaningful, the one I embrace here as my time winds down. I found that far from the concrete and chaos. A part of me wishes I found it earlier — but I don’t live in regret. I could. I made so many mistakes along the way. Oh yes, for sure. But I can’t find my life there. I spent a significant portion of my time on earth, searching. At least I am fortunate to have found it. And I refer to more than just this beautiful part of the earth where I now live. It is also what it allowed me to unlock inside myself.
I love that “college’d clones” line… but I am thinking about early retirement. 😀
That is as it should be Kate, we all deserve the freedom and happiness life might provide. I hope that happens for you. Just please, don’t forget about “where you live”, and what’s truly important in life. We are all just temporary passengers on spaceship earth, and not the only ones.
i did not expect the turn, Rob, mostly because i was enthralled by your details. this is emotive and sensorial.
Thank you Rose Marie, very much… 🙂
Just beautiful, Rob! Cities hold their excitement and wonder, but I too long for nature above all. I love how you describe the ‘haughty monoliths’ of skyscrapers and compare these to ‘the fresh embrace of rain
the crisp and quiet drift of snow
the hues and sway of living fields’
– an easy choice, really!
Thank you Ingrid, I genuinely take your kind words here to my heart.. For me, this is among my top 10 poems or lyrics I have ever written in my 50+ years of writing — because it is of the core of my personal truth. The unspoken/unwritten layers beneath the symbolism and meaning of each stanza reaches into the depth and breadth of my experience of life. This came forth freely and purely, almost effortlessly, from a place I didn’t immediately recognize — until I did. It was cathartic to write.
I like the way everything builds on what comes before. Well done.
Thank you Kerfe.
a powerful chant, probably my favourite of yours Rob … as a country girl the city can never catch my soul! And you expressed it so well
Thank you Kate. I’m a city boy born, who ultimately found his heart in the wilderness!
hey rob. really enjoyed this, this part really hit me:
“this city
its haughty monoliths
of varying shape
differing size
flanked in concrete corridors
that criss and cross
blink and beep
that ring buzz belch hiss
— and stink”
yep!
Glad this caught you Phillip!
Such a stunning and moving write, Rob! I always enjoy reading your work for its emotional and evocative quality and imagery. Love this piece. <3 <3
I genuinely appreciate your kind words Lucy, thank you! Every 4th Thursday we do “live” reading at d-Verse for the Open Link Night. We just had a reading session today. Next “live” readings are August 19th. You should stop by and read one of your amazing pieces. It would be a treat!
Very powerful, Rob, and I so enjoyed hearing you read this today!
Thank you Merril, as did I enjoy hearing you… 🙂
I was 49 in 1993 when I married my third & current wife. We have so much in common it is frightening. Your reading was very effective. Your voice, articulation, and delivery is that of a polished professional (another coincidence). As stated by Ron today, you went beyond the chant to a full throated howl. (like my NEW CENTURION’S JOCKSTRAP LULLABY.) My wife, after years of care taking needs counseling and we need to bring in others for my Home care; working on the VA.
Thank you for the kind words Glenn. I moved in with my Kathy in 1987. I was 40, she was 24. We married in 89. We are both lucky guys to have women who tolerate us… 🙂 I hope you guys get your home care stabilized brother. I need only minimal care at the moment. My cane and scooter get me around OK, and the new shower my son built for us, with my shower seat, allows me self-care in that area. The arthritis in my hands is becoming an issue, but I am in phys therapy at Evergreen, so tight now I am managing it. Head down, forge on, and keep smiling my friend.
“this city
that vibrates
with the hum of networked urgency
data outdistancing comprehension
often the we can
beyond the reach
of should we”
This is the stanza that most spoke to me. I often wonder how many are pausing to consider what we are creating and how it may or not serve us and the planet.
I am so thankful for the many wise and persistent people who fought to create green spaces in the city of Portland, Oregon. What a gift they are to us all.
I am sincerely pleased this resonated for you Ali! That was one of my most favorite verse to write. I believe it points right at the problematic crux of our time. Too much, too fast, too ill considered. Portland was brilliantly conceived, though tye boarded up sections are sad.
This is exquisite Rob! I wish I could have heard you read it. Anyone that has lived in a big city can relate to your words. These words touched me the most…
this city
ablaze in halogen
aglow in neon
awash in tears
of the poor
Wonderful ??
I have had a number of people tell me to post myself reading “This City”, so I may do that.
I read this a week or so ago when you published it, but you took it to a whole new level when I heard you read it last night. Masterful.
Thank you Ron… 🙂
This is so good! By the end of the poem I am thinking of the symbolism of how this earth, this worldly existence holds its thrills, yet we have our spiritual side that we seek to fully explore in the “tomorrow.” I think by the time we die we are ready to fully cross over and discover what’s next. I love the city but it seems to me it’s just a manifestation of the human consciousness and that nature is God’s expression! ????
Thank you Tricia! Fascinating perspective you have expressed here. 🙂
Always welcome!
????????