For spring break, I had the opportunity to work with a Latinx community non-profit in the city of Chicago. This poem, and the others to come, are inspired from my travels throughout the city, as well as the work I did while visiting. I wrote three different poems, each from the perspective of three different individuals. This is the first poem I wrote.
Woah, it’s Chicago
Downtown
People from all walks of life
Coming at you in one sequence, one rhythm
Young, old, poor, rich
Black, yellow, red, white
They cross the street, in a hurry
But where are they all going?
I will never know,
Chicago
The struggle to look all around
Don’t want to miss a single thing
It’s crazy
In a blur, it all flashes before my eyes
Blink, and the city line disapears into the sky
Chicago
There is so much to do, see, feel
The smells, and sights
The clouds that block the light
All the streets and corner signs look the same
Watch out for the savage drivers who aren’t going to stop for anything
Oh well, that's just, Chicago!
It’s overwhelming, yet beautiful
So many people at one time, in one place
The suburbs are so much quieter, yet lack the excitement the city life exudes
Don’t get lost
Don’t look anyone in the eye, but straight ahead
Keep your focus on your destination
But be polite
Chicago
Stop for the homeless man
Give him a dollar or two
He’ll thank you for your kindness, and so will God
But don’t stop for too long, or you may get trampled by the crowd
Chicago
Returning to the center
Mixing and mingling with different children
They all want to hold your hand
And tell you about themselves
Chicago
Chicago is great
Don’t know if it’s for me
Mixed feelings surround the mind
It’s so big
You could even lose yourself
City of broken dreams for the poor and minority, big dreams for the privileged, and an overwhelming atmosphere for this country girl at heart,
Chicago is not for everyone
But for some
Melting pot of people, and experiences
Oh, Chicago,
Our nation needs you
Stay true, stay blue, forever you,
Farewell, Chicago
