This is a poem that I wanted to write if I were to move to Chicago. I do not see me living there at any point in my life as I have aspirations that cannot be fulfilled in the wonderful windy city. So here it is…Chicago

–

I am one of you

Adhering to the droning call

Of the El clamoring on rusted tracks

Echoing through slim walls

And decrepit cinder block exteriors

Sound waves rumble through cracked wooden floors

Off arched doorways and into my ears

–

I am one of you

Adorning the Transit Authority with wrinkled dollar bills

Fumbled out of pockets full of lint and crumbs

Into hand frozen from wind rustled streets

Faces frozen eyes wondering for the next train

Enjoying the warmth of the train car

Handling homeless and trying to be generous

–

I am one of you

Creeping into storefronts to make my nose recover

From delayed busses and off kilter schedules

Sitting proud in my seat

Kindly nodding to the gentlemen and the lady next to me

Waiting for the next stop

The next opportunity

To start a conversation to ask how you are doing

–

I am one of you

Illuminated under the city lights

Crawling from my small abode in the height of 8 stories

Crackling heaters with old fashioned glory

In the stream of young lust hoping for a midnight story

Passionately taking every moment as it comes

Letting the others pass as they go

–

I am one of you

Saluting the 6 star banner

Waving in baby blue and red

With honor and dignity it waves

Gently

From the buildings overhead

–

I am one of you

With hope for a better future than today

Trying to make things better than yesterday

Shootings, violence, and challenges

The city faces everyday

Only change will then come

When the people have the pride to say

–

“I am Chicago”