city of steel

city of blood and muscle, sweat and smoke
I laugh along at jokes about the smog
mocking the very air that first filled my lungs
when She welcomed me into the world

Even as I join in I feel the pang of guilt
of laughing at the expense of one I love
the bitter taste of betrayal far worse
than smog or smoke or steal could ever be

My bones, straight and strong, of steel
My blood flowed in mills, and mines, on ships
in men who came before, who wore
the city on their threadbare shirts, strong and tall

City of steel, city of stolen dignity
I feel your pulse within me and within you
hidden under high-tech, shiny reimagining
land where my fathers died
land where I laughed and lied,
the prodigal daughter, full of pride,
to thee I sing