Passers-by

Carl Sandburg, 1878 – 1967

Passers-by,

Out of your many faces

Flash memories to me

Now at the day end

Away from the sidewalks

Where your shoe soles traveled

And your voices rose and blent

To form the city’s afternoon roar

Hindering an old silence.

Passers-by,

I remember lean ones among you,

Throats in the clutch of a hope,

Lips written over with strivings,

Mouths that kiss only for love,

Records of great wishes slept with,

Held long

And prayed and toiled for:

Yes,

Written on

Your mouths

And your throats