red lights green lights
he reads as the rhythms of his neuroses
their permissions and refusals
smother the urges to collide
he knows the history of the tall ships
that blew in on self-serving winds
anchored attitudes of square-toe infallibility
fashioned the learning curves of wild orchid to well bred
and misty big cat and fish to icon
he smiles at mute escalators and the catchiest displays
softening the penalties of clustering
smiles again at the how much? exchanges
keeping everyone on speaking terms
he strolls and stops to look at things
strolls again stops again
they’re young and serious in the right clothes
and with hurry in their feet
he smiles (old habit) and lets them pass
they head on and up
Lucky Plaza in the middle of it all
on the good side of strongback Sumatra
no earthquake no tsunami
lucky
above him is the lofty city
the ice giant
of long hours for mason and carpenter
hammering hammering
vertical imperatives
johnpoetflanagan 
Enjoyed thoroughly
Thank you very much
Poetry is, for me, essentially about emotion, empathy and the ability to connect and stir the reader. This poem certainly does so, John, yet I also find myself wanting to comment upon its structure and style. I admire the natural flow you create without relying on any overt rhythm. I think that this allows the reader to become immersed in the imagery of your words and lines and I found myself drifting away in this.
I particularly enjoyed the opening of your second ‘verse’.
This is so very much my ‘cup of tea’, John.
My best to you, Sir.
Thank you, Chris
for this excellent comment.
You are such support and encouragement and i appreciate
it deeply
Thank you again
john
It is always a pleasure to read your words, John.
You stir my imagination. Putting me at ease to settle into a place where the real sharing in life takes place, the avenue of romantics. When the scribes’ thoughts lead me into cozy dens of creativity and endless possibilities for interpretation where I am emotionally sated. So please; write on and never let your creative pen rest. Ever your friend, Jon Michael
Jon My Friend
A splendid response and i thank you sincerely
Ever Your Friend
john
Oh, you make it so real, my man. Such command of language and imagery.
Myra, Friend
Thank you so much,
always here for me
Much love
john
That 4th stanza took my breath away. The contrast between the old man strolling and stopping and looking at things and the young, serious and in the right clothes with “hurry
in their feet ” touches me with its tender embrace of both the old and the young. Thank you, John.
You’re most welcome, Joan
and
Thank you
for such a fine response
Big hugs
john
So unique and such a different perspective leaves me in awe. Loved the “hurry in their feet”. Blessings, Ellen
Ellen
Thank you
thank you so much
and i’m happy you liked the work
A big hug
john
I was right there with you, John, strolling down Orchard Road. I love every single line, but that first stanza — boy, it’s so delicious, I want to eat it.
What a lovely response, Vera!
Thank you so much
Always with a hug
john
The poem immediately makes the reader engaged to the walk the man is taking along the city. Beautifully described, John… 🙂
Maniparna
Thank you for this lovely comment
Big hug
john
Favorite line:
they’re young and serious in the right clothes
and with hurry in their feet
Good one
Bruce
Thank you
Always
john
a walk with you after reading this poem would be an honor. Lovely poem, jf.
Thank you Dear Audrey
and we can have that walk any day you’re feeling up to it
Always
jf
Beautifully written, dear John.
Was there with you all through!
Nimi
Thank you very much
Always
john
Brother John – Enjoyed this stroll through the history and environs of this city. Especially liked these lines that carry me along through its history,
he knows the history of the tall ships
that blew in on self-serving winds
its reason of existence,
smiles again at the how much? exchanges
keeping everyone on speaking terms
its population, young and old,
they’re young and serious in the right clothes
and with hurry in their feet
and its eternal developing,
hammering hammering
vertical imperatives
Enjoyed!
Thank you, Brother David
for this fine response and glad you enjoyed the work.
Much love to You and Diane
Ever Your Brother
john
Lovely poem, John, and have a wonderful Sunday!
Hugs, Lauren
Thank you, Dear Lauren
so generous and so supportive
Big hugs
john
Wonderful imagery! I loved:
Lucky Plaza in the middle of it all
on the good side of strongback Sumatra
no earthquake no tsunami
Noelle,
Thank you for reading and for this fine supportive response.
Many hugs
john