I live in a city full of light and noise and wind and sound
Full of rushed people and hurried streets
I am quiet; I walk slowly
I am silent and they are loud

I live in a city full of cars and trains
Full of tall buildings that do not slump
I step on the hard sidewalks
And I slouch

I love this city full of life and love and hurt and sorrow
I love this city with all its cliques
I love the contrasts and the blend of humanity
And I do not fit in

I am quiet and draped in black
I do not stand out, sticking to the shadows under awnings and signs
I walk and only use my cell phone to
Reassure my mother I haven't been hit by a car when crossing a street
I blend more than I stand out

Look for careful anonymity
Reveal my real identity only to a few
Hide my arms and legs and face
Hide my back and front and lower my eyes

I live in a city full of light and noise and wind and sound
And I am a shadow cast by the light
The echo of the noise and sounds
Standing against the wind
A reverse of everything else