Small houses and small streets
At sharp angles to the wide river,
Where families and businesses grow and die
Side by side in the congested city.

In a coach by the front of the house,
An infant lies fast asleep;
While across the narrow street
Raw steel sings as steel-men ply their trade.

Beerwurst, a deli special,
Finds favor with the metalworkers.
The tiny street is hushed
When the metal shop closes.

The shop no longer sings.
Its customers are gone.
The small houses and the deli too,
Victims of progress.