How to Live like an Urban Man

1.
Be a social invertebrate.

Devoid of awe:
When caught up in a vicious cycle
of rushing to work in the morning.

When caught up in a vicious cycle
of rushing back to home in the evening.

When caught up in a vicious cycle
of rushing to meet friends, walking
down hill street to clubs and gyms.


2.
Be a city breadwinner.

Too smart for religion.
Concerned dependent on electric energy.

A product of science classically styled as
fantastic fool trying to dictate how

rural man should live.


3.
Be the greediest animal on earth.

Alienated from harmony.
Rapidly evolving monstrosity of

a well built dude popping pills
to get nourished; to control over health.


4.
Be a lonely man.

A stylish gent (finding his niche)
sitting on the news.



- ksm / 2015


Inspiration: "Rush" by Totomai Martinez

22 comments:

  1. MaryJanuary 21, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    You have given a vivid picture of 'the urban man.' Doesn't sound very pleasant though. Being the greediest animal on earth & lonely sounds especially sad.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brian MillerJanuary 21, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    ugh. sad sad reality....greedy...alone...
    happens to far too many...a social invertebrate...ha
    you may have coined a new term there kelvin...
    i like.

    ReplyDelete
  3. GabriellaJanuary 21, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    The urban man has a job, a routine but seems deprived of choices and freedom.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sherry Blue SkyJanuary 21, 2015 at 8:38 AM

    Kelvin, is this a different blog? I lost you for a time, this may be why! Happy to "find" you again, with your wonderful verse. I especially resonate with the speed of the vicious cycle in the first stanza.......our society's downfall. They keep us treadmilling so fast we cant stop and see what's happening.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kathy ReedJanuary 21, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    Hmm...sitting on the new....wish we could turn things around and re-examine what is causing what in such a world...and take steps the change it...nice to see you, Kelvin

    ReplyDelete
  6. GraceJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    A lonely & greedy man ~ We have to be careful we don't fall into a urban trap ~ happy to see you Kelvin ~ Hope you are well ~

    ReplyDelete
  7. VictoriaJanuary 21, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    This really shakes up our perception of what success should be. You know, I'm always so happy to see you, Kelvin. I'm smiling now.

    ReplyDelete
  8. SusanJanuary 21, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    It's the invertebrate that gets me the most with its external shell and its repetition of "vicious cycle." Bitter tone throughout ... I would say that this urban man has to take a vacation or more.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJanuary 21, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    money don't buy happiness... I'll trade all the riches in the world for the richness of friendship any day... it's tough not to get caught up in the cycle that never leaves you with time for socializing, but it is a must...

    ReplyDelete
  10. totomaiJanuary 21, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    enjoyed the snippets of a salaryman's life. or maybe i can just relate to it haha. well-done kabayan.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    wow...really captured the dichotomy between striving for happiness, and actual happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  12. brudbergJanuary 21, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    How quickly it change. To live in the city is something more and more have to do, yet changing us to slaves under the burden of imagined duties. Nice to see you Kelvin :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. PrajaktaJanuary 21, 2015 at 2:46 PM

    What a raw piece. Excellent portrayal of the rush and greed Kelvin.

    ReplyDelete
  14. kaykualaJanuary 21, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    The urban man has a lot going for him! Things influencing him are all set. Only people around him are different. The game is the same! Thoughtful write Kelvin!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2015 at 7:03 PM

    Your words are a true representation of the "urban man". The images that you conjure with your verse are of a life devoid of the real joy... and thus, melancholy becomes a part of your writing in an inexorable manner. Powerful and thought provoking.

    -HA

    ReplyDelete
  16. DelainaJanuary 21, 2015 at 8:10 PM

    Fantastic poem Kelvin! Devoid o Awe is my favorite part. You have captured the issue perfectly. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  17. TruedessaJanuary 22, 2015 at 12:05 AM

    Kelvin, I am so glad to see you again. You have captured the trappings of success. Climbing that ladder becomes more important than the simple joys of life and once on top you find you are alone. That is not what I would call "success" you are right he would end up a lonely man..ugh..

    ReplyDelete
  18. Myrna R.January 22, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    I didn't know this was your blog Kelvin. It's nice. You depict a sad, materially "successful" urban guy here. I know it's not you. You're rich in spirit, in generosity and talent.

    ReplyDelete
  19. ClaudiaJanuary 22, 2015 at 2:02 AM

    you know that cycle of rushing struck me most here as i feel so often that life is faster than i can walk... that close with the lonely man is tough

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2015 at 2:31 AM

    the isolated man is a hard role to fill. Suspected by everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  21. WolfsrosebudJanuary 22, 2015 at 2:36 AM

    interesting progression here... thoughtful

    ReplyDelete
  22. 21 WitsJanuary 22, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    Eerie really how true to life this can be.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the kind words!

- kelvin s.m.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)