Blake

By John I. Blair

Looking down while contemplating
Gross consumption’s consequence,
I note a gleaming flash of brass
Beside my viewpoint, fastened flush
With slotted screws and polished wax,
A grate concealing, yet revealing,
Open drain beneath its screen,
Sunk in cement and terrazzo,
Here to channel overflow
Into the sewer far below
If I should flunk a judgment test,
A layered construct of protection
And prevention compensating
For corruption best unseen.

©2004 John I. Blair