A speaker watches Broadway as a restless, colorful crowd hurries after pleasure while trying to escape something it cannot shake. The people are driven by sensuality and distraction, yet their collective noise sounds like someone gasping for air, unable to find words that would bring relief. The street feels artificial, full of gaudy evasions, where constant movement and sound smother real thought. Women strut to cover unfulfilled hunger, and men chase fleeting escapes. The mood is weary, critical, and almost claustrophobic. Only rarely does the rush break, and then the speaker hears children knocking on towering doors—an image of younger, more honest need pressing against a civilization that hides behind polished, frozen friendliness.
Broadway — Summary
With sardonic futility The multi-coloured crowd, Hurried by fervent sensuality, Flees from something carried on its back. Endlessly subdued, a sound Pours up from the crowd, Like some one ever gasping for breath To utter releasing words. Through the artificial valley Made by gaudy evasions, The stifled crowd files up and down, Stabbing thought with rapid noises. Women strutting dulcetly, Embroider their unappeased hungers, And men stumble toward a flitting opiate. Sometimes a moment breaks apart And one can hear the knuckles Of children rapping on towering doors: Rapping on the highway Where civilization parades Its frozen amiabilities!