My hometown cries out for help and investment from my generation. Not only the monetary investment to restore it, but the physical elbow grease and time that a city needs to be rebuilt. Being that I am a full time musician and weary of committing any time or money to anything because of my transient lifestyle, the idea wears on me. I have no idea what I can do but I want to do something. This is a poem about the challenges the city faces, but what I face also. I am going to do a series of poems on South Bend, IN and this is the first installment. Enjoy!
–
A city on the verge of revolution
Slow but surely it rises
Dim lit hopes to find
A solution
Will I be the resolution
Or the prodder
Stay or leave
I can’t just pay restitution
If I stay I shall invest myself in the future
A price not yet determined
The man at the store
Is not afraid to give me the sermon
The streets can be brought
Back to original glory
Of the Studebaker nights
An all American story
–
At stake city buildings
Crying out for help
Asking to take its wings
Nourish it with fillings
Can these hands build back
What has been stolen away
Should I give up
Simply wait for yet another day
These streets and walls have gone on neglected
Yet I try to move out
All my things
I have collected
Only to be called back
With a voice so timid and quiet
Asking for help
While its soul is dying
–
Can I afford to stay
What help can I be
Even a little effort
Goes a long way I can see
People are inspired
Looking for revolution
So I fix the brim of my hat
And commit to be
Part of the solution
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