DARE WE DREAM IN CONCRETE?

Today we plant a seed for a place in the sun and a soft silent breeze,
a magic place to dream.

Today we plant a seed, surrounded by the giants of the city
gray, pink and multicolored - I try to find an ant, a worm
a living thing.

Today we plant a seed,
in the distance I hear the chimes of St. Patrick's Church
as I munch my brunch of a homemade ham and cheese.

Today we plant a seed that will bear fruit for future generations,
for our children's children.

Today we plant a seed for the young and the old from all walks of life -
roll the hoop, roller skate, bounce a ball, read, discuss, make acquaintance.

Today we plant a seed for all those who are weary,
strangers from across the seas.

Today we plant a seed for the butterflies to do their graceful ballet.

Today we plant a seed, a vision of pristine greenness
a place of peace against the heavy metal music of traffic
relentless with a beat, beat, beat.

Today we plant a seed.
Dare we dream
in concrete?

Group Poem in Honor of Yerba Buena Gardens, TODCO Creative Writing Class, 1992