For tourists traveling to Washington, D.C.

in hopes of viewing historic monuments,

the city might be a bit disappointing these days.

Many of Washington’s historic sites

are shrouded in tarps and scaffolding.

Cranes extend far above Memorial Bridge

and lanes are closed as cars speed under the Kennedy Center.

Blazing orange cone and barriers mar

the view of the tidal basin

and potholes rattle cars traversing city streets.

As Washington’s monuments age,

the city has ordered a facelift.

Hopefully, the cherry blossoms

peaking in April

will distract from the

flashing construction signs

dotting D.C.’s historic byways.