By Brian Michael Barbeito

Most of the sociologists or criminologists might agree, or people with plain old ‘horse sense,’ that overpopulation is the biggest problem when it occurs, the issue that contributes to the other phenomena such as crime, pollution, illness, poverty, the rise of unfairness in the distribution of needed resources. Well in today’s cities there is definitely that situation. 

That’s the main story of the modern cities I’ve seen (too many people), though of course they aren’t without positive aspects. Great manicured green spaces for the eye and soul to be. Art museums, music concerts, and restaurants with cuisine from around the world. Sometimes fabulous bookstores. And the social services and many religious institutions have tried to help and feed the poor, the marginalized.

To me though, even on a generally ‘good’ day, it was all like going on a date with someone that checked off all the boxes on paper,- a certain love connection certainly possible!- but no chemistry. I never liked the city or found much there for me. A place to visit occasionally maybe, but not with staying power true depth. And as I get older, I think of it and see it less and less. 

There is a lot of coldness, and I can see how the individuals have in most cases become like robots, going about their way like somnambulists. Not a smile in the bunch. Osho said the belly laugh was disappearing from the world and when it was gone, that much important has been lost. How, I ask, to get a belly laugh when there isn’t even a smile? Barely a chance I’d say. No, the North American city anyhow, has not much for a poet or mystic or photographer though if one digs deep some cool lights and sights and sounds can usually be found somewhere. 

And if not, the dirt and grime, the plain buildings, the robotic and unthinking masses, the sheep as they have been called, being led by the latest fashion and media, the whole modern set that couldn’t crack a smile for the life of them,- should also be observed and documented. 

Maybe in the end, that’s as much of the artist’s job as anything else is, such as noting and being inspired by a more beautiful aesthetic. 

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