Once, the constant backing track
of traffic and city noise drummed
in an ever-present hum.
Streetlight haloes fixed glimpses
of homebound faces as they passed,
in shop windows and bus-stop glass.
Now, there is no more morning haul
or night-time crawl
of onomatopoeic pedestrians
and their quirky, jerky stop-and-go.
Below deserted bridges, the river laps
where the homeless nap, huddled in shadow,
yoked together in an unknown quantity,
a corona of forgotten zombies.
Kim M. Russell, 29th March 2020
My poem for Earthweal Open Link #13
I looked back in my archives and found a poem from 27th March 2016 that kind of fits the mood but needed to be re-titled and re-written.
writing in north norfolk 
Oh, KR…Could not be more bleak; or more real; or more courant. You is da Poet-and-a half. Salute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ron!😊
LikeLike
The homeless truly have no home now. (K)
LikeLike
A perfect poem to remind us that not all are isolated at home. Thank you Kim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Myrna.
LikeLike
It’s a potent view of what’s left, absent “onomatopoeic pedestrians / and their quirky, jerky stop-and-go” — a “corona” of absence still present. You hold it beautifully here, though it’s a sight that drills us to the moment. Well done, Kim, and thanks for bringing it to earthweal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Brendan.
LikeLike
The silent streets show how suddenly life changed. The homeless huddled under the bridge – so sad, so vulnerable, so unprotected a population. So well written. I am so sorry to hear you lost a friend recently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sherry.
LikeLike
The silent streets show how suddenly life changed. The homeless huddled under the bridge – so sad, so vulnerable, so unprotected a population. So well written. I am so sorry to hear you lost a friend recently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great way to tie in the corona with that image and the lasting image you leave us with your words. “onomatopoeic pedestrians
and their quirky, jerky stop-and-go”
A grinding machine that was long overdue for some serious maintenance: out of order for an undetermined amount of time for deep introspection. Loved this, Kim. Be well💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Amaya. Stay safe!
LikeLike
Perceptive post; I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing! x
http://www.homeschoolguru.org
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person