Villanelle for Slow Streets

Do Not Drive Through, This Poem’s In The Way

Villanelle for Slow Streets

Do not drive through, this poem’s in the way

let pavements pace be measured by your stride–

walk in the road, carry this poem through the day.

The sand dunes rewrote highway into walkway;

your footprints write new stanzas by the curbside.

Do not drive through, this poem’s in the way.

Fear-free, slow signs turn a page over freeway

and children pedal independence, their first ride–

bike in the road, carry this poem through the day.

Yield traffic’s dull roar to lively air for a Steller’s Jay

perched on a flagpole, rekindled phoenix of civic pride.

Do not drive through, bright birdsong blocks the way.

A stage is set between the curbstones for ballet

musicians jam from stoops while skaters glide–

waltz in the road, carry this poem through the day.

Reclaim the streets for people, impede the speedway

no fuel to burn, but check your shoes are tied!

Do not drive through, this poem’s in the way

walk in the road, carry this poem through the day.