Cities
Portland OR
"The dream of urban living has always meant a density of experience, that random moment on the street that changes you. But now, when people say increasing the density, they mean building more luxury housing for new arrivals who only want an urban lifestyle with a walled-off suburban mentality--keep away difference, avoid unplanned interaction, don't talk to anyone on the street because this might be dangerous." Words found on a Sierra Town Hall exhibit.
San Francisco
San Francisco
Windows Into the Sky
windows paved into the sky
law firms, lobbyists
mining, banking, oil ...
seeking shortcuts
around people and
their workers looking
the other way, invisible
concealed, chained, handcuffed
by shining metals
and medals
creating comfort
through gas and oil
and electricity
digital banking
of every thought
deposits only, no solutions
for starving people not knowing
not caring why their stomach growl
waiting for deletion
few apartments, fewer homes
as cities are sold
to the highest bidders
cash only.
Anti-Chinese attack in 1886 Seattle - not copyrighted
Seattle
Wet Pavement
At Midnight
Walking in big city
watching wet pavement
glow at midnight
under street lights
in sleepy neighborhoods.
Cool breezes on
long walks for
peace of mind
nearly home at last.
Fumbling for keys
still a block away
opening doors
to stiff drinks
obliterating thoughts
with melting ice cubes
for a little rest
before a new day.
Tucson March on gun violence.
Santa Monica
San Francisco
Naked in
San Francisco
shedding skin
lasting 40 years
heavy and worn
from 9 to 5 workdays
wasting day after day
protecting fortunes
of the one percent.
shedding skin
trying to find the poet
who once lingered
here and there
never a care
walking in the rain
in a city of riches
named for St. Francis
who also ran away
with beatnik dreams
wearing only a beret.
Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha
Poster, Tucson Rally, not copyrighted
Las Vegas
Montreal
Seattle
Missoula
Steveston BC
Salt Lake City
Calgary
Vancouver BC
Vancouver BC
Vancouver BC
Salt Lake City Building Wall Mural
Copyright all photos and written material Craig Rock unless noted.