Zehlendorf (Outpost)

Neon writing, English, engraved in night’s black,
issuing in red from the veins, the downpour
cannot wash it out, and like scars they’re staring,
        standing: the letters.
Hundred years of sleep for metallic, empty
rain clouds scattered thundering down in grayness.
Dreaming far from rivers, the bridge’s pillars,
        strewers of manna.
Haggard flagpoles looking around, their glances
gleaming blue-white (red are their veins), while piecemeal
wind takes them away, they are standing blind and
        holding the heavens.