Testo Chicago Is Burning ...

we throw out our bodies on the fire and we die

settle into ashes as the flames keep piling high

we tossed and spread the kerosene and alcohol

the ethylene ignited cardboard homes


the second in a hundred and again as many years

street signs, skyscrapers and names

state street, what a great street

when the places and the people stayed the same



winter beats the summer on the worst ones

i fall in love again on the first ones
carbon vapor lines burn as a grid

like the burning summer evenings

like my fingertips did

like the burning summer evenings

like my fingertips did



this town is choking on our filth

obstinate displays of wealth

clog our lincoln, wicker, rogers parks

here's to your health chicago

fiddle as we burn

nevermore, nevertheless

build it up and tear it down and never learn