gateway

sometimes
i take the long
way home
to pass by
my childhood roads
yesterday,
i saw the face
of north 40th street
change
how badly i
still want it
to exist
flatlined
into cement
memories
over 2 decades old
now curbside rubble
for the next
20 year show
the nostalgia
permeates
i now fathom
the heartbreak of
razed
from bombs
to gentrification
the distinct removal
of the tangible
only left living
in the presence of memory
and
street view
i chase away
sadness knowing
somewhere
it still stands