The sun always shines brightly
on the square with public housing
shopping plaza neighbourhood centre a fun cafe
the grass freshly trimmed like the people
eternally young families
in the built-up zone an architect's dream
where the future is secured

but this century can no longer be invented
how often have I heard
the roar of new housing collapsing
present and future are definitely done for
goodbye all certainties
we'll live in makeshift abodes
when you're here I'm there
and we'll greet each other in passing
with American niceties