​The Alley

by K. Foley  | '84

A montage of urban existence…
                                         the alley.
an arena of trash and treasure…of tragedy…
of life
acted out against the backdrop of
                                        screaming sirens…
                                        giggling children…
and the shuffling feet of the old.
How many lovers have held hands…
                                        kissed secretly…feverishly…
Savoring the aloneness of the dusk…
                                        in the alley.
How much money has passed hands… furtively…
Suspicious eyes darting…piercing the dark…
                                        in the alley.
How many feet, encumbered by the weight of law enforcement gear
have raced the hunt…
                                        ​in the alley.
and yet, despite life…
above all…because of it…
grass grows amid the rubble…
and ancient women continue to sweep…
                                       ​the alley.