A swallowing
A disappearance
Like of some prey into the insides of the predator
Or of a needle into a bale of hay

It’s the image my mind conjured
The persistent one that still materializes
Whenever I picture a journey into the city

In the yesterdays
There was a literality to
The steady disappearances of villagers
In constant voyage to search for greener pastures
The dismissive wonderment
About the workings of my intellect
Did little to assuage the phantasmagoria
Of a constant flow of people
Into the monster’s wide-open mouth
And their inability once in
To find their way out

Now it is impossible to disregard
The insatiable thirst of the city
The vehemence of its swallowing
The disappearances it effects
And the destitution it breeds

With a magnetic pull
The city’s yawn draws
A young expectant populace
With shiny degrees some mistake the yawn for a smile
With little formal education to write home about
Others feel beckoned
Hopeful, all see a promise

With hunger for her children 
The village yawns too
Dustier, her dusty streets become
Longing, her arm is perpetually outstretched 
Brain drain drains the village
Steady on her feet
Vigilant and watchful
Adorning hope like makeup
The village maintains a sturdy posture