pedestrians strop
the concrete sidewalks
to a razor’s edge
cars shine and twist 
asphalt streets
a brilliant blue melted black
dogs lie panting heavily 
tounges extended

methane, profanity and gasoline fumes
fuel the city’s summer heated air
it rubs itself into every pore and shadow
prickles necks and irritates collars
its acrid smell of hot tar and sweated out cologne
clings to every breath
hangs thick, with suspended brake dust of 
shrieking wheels - infiltrates our mouth
breezes like hot wet towels sting eyes
wilts clothes that stick to skin and
bus stop seats
crushes tonsorial coiffures
making us wish for arctic comfort
while screaming to be laundered