Reflective Windows

I.

The Portland skyline shines in the sun
reflective windows refracting light
blinding those who dare to look
a police car circles the block
don't stare directly into the windows

The mirrored windows are everywhere
showing the city its own reflection
pan the city from across the river
said: it looks average from afar
the horn of a barge sounds
said: I wonder if it's happy with its appearance

II.

said: but what of those behind the windows?
close on a building, shot up from the street
the light hides those who reside inside
the immoral, the corrupt, the greedy
the underbelly of this city/society
hiding in expensive suits/suites
Porche drives by, top down

This underbelly does not creep in the shadows
it does not take refuge in dark alleys
or seek shelter in some dank basement club
but rather sits high above the fallen leaves
cowering behind these panes/pains

the Morrison bridge raises
watching those who move about below
but not allowing anyone to peer inside at them
the fountain turns on
what are they hiding?

III.

Why have windows at all?
is the filthy Willamette river something to admire?
the fountain turns off
what about the homeless man
urinating into the same trash can from which he will eat tomorrow
is that worthy of a window?
yellow Ford Fiesta runs a red light

IV.

Or is it to spy on those in buildings around them?
the feeling of eyes darting back and forth nervously
sweep from ground to building across the street
that must be it
those inside are not hiding from the public
but instead from their competitors next door
paranoid that thier secrets will be exposed
the bus' brakes squeak as it grinds to a stop

V.

No, it isn't that at all
fade/time lapse the day to night, movement
the skyline finally matches the colors that run through its veins
the night brings out those same mirrored windows
reflection of Made In Oregon sign, still, stay
and alike the diverse people that "keep Portland weird"
both reflecting the beauty of this city

Wipe the reflection
it is now that the windows see
streets wet with life and excitement
front facade of the Crystal, pan from restaurant to ballroom
music spills into the streets
from the open windows of the Crystal Ballroom

VI.

The Pearl District beats
breathes life slowly through the empty streets
the reinvention of a place once abandoned
ancient brick breweries smell again of hops
the pride of the city is back, and evident

The windows hesitate to blink
afraid to miss the reawakening of their city
time lapse sunrise
the Portland skyline shines in the sun
pan skyline, slow fade