The more optimistic members of the city council remained upbeat,
preferring to accentuate the positive.

Others drifted around the train station
holding vigil with overpriced coffee and Cheetos
in place of candles and song

The river, disinterested as usual,
rolled by without commentary
heading south, carrying barges and tugboats

Commerce did not pause in your absence
Retail businesses do not, of course, require joy.