Wheat City

while discussing literature

over lattes at a friend’s

I see a farmyard out her window

a shining silo, standing tall

a combine and seeder

resting in the barn

cultivation and cultivators juxtaposed

a reminder that

no matter how high we reach

this city’s heart sprouts from the soil

a hoodie and chains

struts down the walk

snapback sticker glinting in the sun

board shorts, dreadlocks

and a long board

glide down into the valley

inch-long nails, inch-long lashes

and designer heels

laugh on the Firehouse patio

pressed slacks, silk tie

and a pocket square

sip coffee in Princess Park

yet no matter how we dress

we all walk beside a Stetson

walk with scuffed jeans

and leather boots

everyone mingles

with those fresh from the fields

tortilla, varenyky or udon

injera, papusa or naan

the world is coming here

new cultures and languages

new values and traditions

yet still carrying the staff of life

the waving grain supports us all

observatory atop McMaster

clocktower rising

from McKenzie seeds

amphitheatre on the riverbank

mansions on the north hill

new communities south and west

yet no matter what we build

it is prairie skyscrapers that rise

from the center of the city

our agrarian cathedrals

filled with pilgrims’ offerings

the fruit of our fertile fields

the foundation of our city

a city rooted in the earth

the wheat city