Passers-by, <br />Out of your many faces <br />Flash memories to me <br />Now at the day end <br />Away from the sidewalks <br />Where your shoe soles traveled <br />And your voices rose and blent <br />To form the city's afternoon roar <br />Hindering an old silence. <br /> <br />Passers-by, <br />I remember lean ones among you, <br />Throats in the clutch of a hope, <br />Lips written over with strivings, <br />Mouths that kiss only for love. <br />Records of great wishes slept with, <br />Held long <br />And prayed and toiled for. . <br /> <br />Yes, <br />Written on <br />Your mouths <br />And your throats <br />I read them <br />When you passed by.<br /><br />Carl Sandburg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/passers-by-2/
