University Avenue, Minneapolis

at the University of Minnesota
an avenue of higher ed and frat boy fred
and manicured lawns and a parking garage
past the western, cowboy hat Arby's
past the Holiday Inn, pockets of sin
a night club next to the restaurant Casablanca
and government buildings between high grain towers
and always a Head Start bus
heading down 27th
and Prospect Park
on one side iron and industrial
on the other a privileged haven
You know that's why it's a witches hat.
She lives at the top.
She oversees at the top.
and you're not allowed in
you're not allowed in.
You're not allowed to see
how she doles out her justice
how it is given everyday.
you're to stay in your haven
sleep the day away
lose your inhibitions by night
but never climb to the top
to the top of the tower
then you might see. You might know
she's not really there.
Prospect Park on both sides
Arby's signs and clinic lines
and college students on bikes and in fights
and where is that justice
over University Avenue.