Sewage

10-28-97

the stifling heat and choking stench
a raw and gaping canal of sewage
open to God and Heavens 
only marginally banished beneath
slabs of heavy concrete laid abutting:
a sidewalk concealing all but a
dim hint of the reek

along dirt streets at the edge of
town it lies open like a wound past
faded houses, scratching chickens, 
and panting dogs.

a sluggish flow to a rank pond
clear of even the smallest houses

a crumbling concrete pit of rebar
and filth supporting, of all things,
an observation platform

high above the sullenly circling pool.

Memories of Ahail do Cabbo.
JMV 10/28/97