I always get sad
When I look at abandoned buildings

The cinema
I go by on the way to the mall
Numbers falling from the sign
Windows dirty and cracked

It's just the world running its course
Trickling down in a ruthless ecosystem
Eat or be eaten
Defeat or be defeated

But still I wonder
About the people who loved that place

Builders and architects
Their blood, sweat, and tears in the pavement
Proud of their project

The owner
Smiling as they turned a key
Into a new life, they were sure

The patrons
Who loved and supported this place
Regular visitors

What happened?
How did it all fall apart?