This Student Town
A Villanelle

My window shows a picture imperfect,
with a tired view of buildings and trash,
and only my room to make the colors reflect.

It's as if the neighbors have no respect.
They throw out waste in a discordant splash.
My window shows a picture imperfect.

This old neighborhood is a run-down wreck,
where every party is a real bash
as all the crushed beer bottles reflect.

But then again, what should I expect?
Apathy spreads like contagious rash.
My window shows a picture imperfect.

The houses and streets fall into neglect.
Well-kept yards and pizza boxes clash.
Grimy sunbeams are all my windows reflect.

Each soda can is another defect,
every food wrapper another slash.
My window shows a picture imperfect
A neighborhood I hate is all it reflects.

November 21, 2002