Cost

by George Yatchisin

Thanks whoever decided to
emboss the concrete
beside the freeway’s
buttresses, given
since they have also snaked
a trail bikers and hikers
pass, heading out to
nature like car exhaust.
Thoughtfulness is one
brand of beauty, even
just the simplicity
of concentric circles
cut into concrete.
Not nearly enough
to make anyone ignore
the traffic roar but
compensations so rarely
pay a living wage.