Scratched Markings

Having never been welcomed
Some of us are at best tolerated
Greeted by mute contempt upon entry
Down the noses of rulers and gentry
Linger not in these public squares
Leave only scratched markings

Never to be assimilated
That should be acknowledged by now
Yet they conspire to lure, bridal and tame
Dangling prizes, they preside over the game
Forever moving and never seeking favor
Roving outlander bards should beware

As with so many before
Another vagabond decides to depart
Certain premonitions not to be mistaken
Markings seen, their meanings ill taken
Walking out before they make me run
Everything else out there awaits

Just beyond those gilded gates
Deep refuse pits of expended emotion
The countless millions of heartfelt words
Pecked hard and consumed by carrion birds
Death's putrid stench hangs in the air
Another den of deviants left behind