this city is for the old
and for those
whose emotions are cold
who just care for history
for the better times
that never happened
but always imagined
and if they’re told so
they laugh into your face
or throw stones
when you’re facing them with your back
because you’ve realised
they just don’t listen
they aren’t as open
as is written on their public buildings
apparently they’re promoting an open society
they’ll tell you
people and ideas from all over the world
are welcome here
there are some people
who are visiting those places
usually they are tourists
those people from all over the world
who enjoy the baroque buildings
the stunning architecture
the elbe valley
the museums
the gardens
the history
there are also people
who are visiting those places
sometimes they are inhabitants
those peope are indeed open minded
but also interested in history
the stunning architecture
but only in the centre
the lovely elbe valley
and their not so stunning bridges
they are definitely not open minded regarding new bridges
the museums
but only exhibitions with work by famous artists
and of course
they originate from anywhere else but here
open minded doesn’t mean anything
words don’t count
just because they sound
great and produce a special feeling
also actions are simply done for the fame
lovely pictures from big knives and handshakes
make for even better social media storytelling
and of course
selling a certain image
what an open society creates
is continuous leading by example
it’s not the one big deal
but the many small spots
guerilla marketing in a way
placed all over the city
leaving your footprints also in the dirtiest corner
not just the shiny spots
but there as well
don’t tell anyone
let yourself being discovered
let them searching for you
do it like BANKSY.

        © Dominik Alexander / 2023
        © Carlos Villada (image)