divested solitude of dwindling properties
we seek evaluation in your pyre of ash
you say that loneliness will always have a price
of concrete in suburban habitats
of burning gasoline and baseball bats
of desperation paid in cash
of subway drug deals made in haste
of you and me – but mostly you
the slumlord who escaped tonight
draped and caped you hide benath
the shadows of your lost esprit
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For Real toads 11 lines for 10 line avant-garde
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June 29, 2014
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Don’t know why, but anytime I see such building constructions, it feels like a crime against humanity …
You captured the desolation of the urban landscape.
This is chilling, Bjorn. So many people who live at the mercy of those with money and power.
Most of our cities have these dwindling properties, even if not high rise. Glad you wrote a poem about them.
I admire the loneliness, city desperation and shadows of the lost esprit ~
This has a terrible grimness–I’ve gone in a similar direction–odd that? Maybe the avant garde part? Maybe something scandinavian? k.
Bjorn, A good piece about the stark desolation that people have to live and survive in. Well done. 🙂 —Susan
Gives me the shivers, bjorn, and makes me so thankful for my lot. You’ll be on ypur waling holiday now, away from such scenes, far away, and happy, I shouldn’t wonder. Talk about post-modernism.
I live in a country which sadly has built far too many of these insane apartment buildings and we pay the price through countless problems in these areas. Enjoy your break and the beautiful Swedish scenery, Björn!
A very chilling commentary on one of the problems rampant in today’s world.
Unfortunately that masked anti-hero trades in life and death, but I think you have caught him in his shameful scenario.
Have a lovely summer holiday Bjorn and thank you for visiting my blog so regularly. Think lovely fresh pine needle thoughts and watch out for those Swedish Jabberwockies hiding behind the bushes:)
I think you captured the helplessness within city walls..the fight for survival in shadows of darkness.
gritty and def desolation is the key word…been around a few slum lords in my day…they are….not very nice people…ha…..
This is an amazing piece, Bjorn. It is pacy, with bold imagery and it makes a very real statement about inner city lifestyles. I like your meter, which has a kind of blank verse feel, with a few resonating rhymes and alliterations thrown in for good measure.
‘..of you and me – but mostly you
the slumlord who escaped tonight..’ true on so many levels, and the whole metaphor I’m seeing of personal and societal relationship gone bad through greed/self-absorption is reinforced by the trim, structured cadence and rhyme contrasting with the falling apart in the subject matter. Really enjoyed it, Bjorn.
So powerfully written, Bjorn, and hard-hitting all at once. Your voice should be heard out loud, it would be great. Every single day, I am forced to witness a sad reality like this on going to work, ah, why o why. Great write, as always. Smiles.
wow! what a poignant capture of an urban insight. well written
gracias for the reminder
I went from solitude to loneliness and then to fear and darkness. The building add to the immensity of the problem and show how easy it is to hide.
loneliness sure has a price to be paid there is a thin line between solitude and loneliness… some times we dnt realise when we cross it…nice really nice
A realistic view of the urban landscape. Have a wonderful holiday, Bjorn!
this is great! reminded me of back home in Detroit a bit too much. very real.
of you and me, but mostly you . . .lost esprit—
There is so much here that rings true for me–of how many violations we see and feel in our society and how they affect us–great write
“the shadows of your lost esprit…” A strong, clear write here Bjorn. This belongs to, comes from you… With Best Wishes Scott
Yes, and the same is true for the avant-garde in art. well-said.
Nicely done the pointing finger points at whom it should, have a good Sunday
Much love…
Wow, this one was slick and smooth. a glimpse into the underground world of drugs and then a mention of the suburbs. great work!
Björn, this is not a very happy poem, to say the least. I know people have to live in this, some were born in it and never escaped. You portrayed a dismal setting very well.
The picture was in close character with the poem, I liked seeing the looted disabled cars. We have them here around some little and older homes.
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Hi Bjorn-this is so vivid and real! You brought the concrete jungle into full focus~ Well done~
Signs of the times. One wonders when will it all end. We need green lungs but the powers that be are not listening! Nicely Bjorn!
Hank
harsh reality…you have written it very well 🙂
I’ve know a few of these slumlords as well. I wonder how they can think what they do is ok? Would they want their families in such places? Nicely done Bjorn.
“of burning gasoline and baseball bats” – great line. I like the rhythm of this poem, and the fast pace it keeps to like its content.
This made me feel sad and riled up at injustice at the same time. Great poem.
“the slumlord who escaped tonight
draped and caped you hide benath
the shadows of your lost esprit”
I can’t think of a more apt description of the slum lord fleeing the blight after collecting his fees to furnish his remote suburban lifestyle. Nicely done.