Coney Island is an isle not an island
a Russian enclave in the heart of US
ice and snow cover the sandy beach
countless, dormant seagulls squat
surf scavenging snowballs
the Brave put the brave face into weather vein
forever strolling on the boardwalk planks’ pain
puffed up quilted skydiving promenade
tears torn from too tender eyes
jaw face numbed to ice blasted skin
rides moan mournful - dirges to desolation
once bright - peeling paint - candy cannot lift
un - peopled, un - moving empty sensations
seafront saloons gone wild west ghost town
dodge city deserted SHOOT THE FREAK fun
abandoned, decaying, corroded, uncared-for
waiting for spring clean new investment to come
finding shelter reminds me of past days spent
at so many seaside towns of youth
seeking respite amid silent out of season concrete
hands shaking blue intensely to construct
gratefully received bites of brutish food
accepting grainy crunches of seasoning sand
with a hunger greater than hygene
or sophistication
Seagulls dance closer
performing for scraps
no time here for loitering
savouring the meal
whisk all back into the bag
dash off to find
the warmth of a cup of coffee
Walk down Brighton beach to the Russian zone, where the inhabitants live in the same giant apartment blocks as can be found in soviet monumental ‘new city’ housing projects.
Occasional old folk occupy benches
white knuckled hands hold
pocket radios to ears
catch scratch crackled chattering ether
Russian tin can broadcast
through white noise wind
no day to be at the beach
no expectancy in the crude and rude amusements
shut-down shuttering resigned to knowing
there will be no punters today
nothing to animate the inanimate
except flapping plastic bags
clinging to lightbulbs and lampposts
spectral sand shapes whisking about
expansive vacant shores
in vain searches
only to fall away...
Chilled to the bone head emptied
eyes wet made red make for train
without even desire for souveneir
Passing monumental tribute
to world hotdog eating championships
reflecting the level popular culture has attained here
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