Behind the modest houses
rows of duplexes, stairs curving like ringlets,
run the narrow rectangles
of freedom.
City back yards, paved over, little hot tubs,
corner lady’s flower jungle.
apple tree and lilac herald
behind the chain link fences.
Lanes bisect the lots
High board fences, gates, ramshackle garages,
trees the power-guy “pruned”,
speed bumps.
Lanes of baking asphalt in summer,
short cuts for bad navigators.
Play hopscotch
on a crooked grid chalked in yellow.
Hose down the car and see the lines
fade to grey.
a rare ” Green Lane”. Some city councillor’s
inspiration. No paving here, little pirate oasis
Blooming vines, flower border
creeping
out of the
yards.
Kids in detention plant
wild roses, sumacs, Saskatoon berry bushes.
Feral cats, nesting birds trembling
like the city kids with their own version of Eden.
Winter democracy spreads white over
picnic tables
plastic chairs
kids’ swings
bird baths.
All waiting for the greening of the lane.