“If a number of these walks are connected, one to another, then slowly, there emerges a ribbon-like system of tiny backs, pleasant alleyways behind the commotion of the street.”

                   ~Christopher Alexander

 

He called.

I said I’d be there in ten,

turned left to shortwalk through the alleys

and hit a brand new iron gate.

The gate was locked.

 

And then there was another one.

And then another.

And another.

And…

 

forty minutes later

when I finally arrived

all of them were laughing:

“We wondered when you’d get here

now that they’ve privatized your city

and stolen your and our and Mr. Alexander’s

quiet backs.”