My Hometown

Haven to some, Hell for others.

The country air echoes with the daily trains and trucks;

back streets are speckled with loose dogs and turkeys.

The carcass of downtown includes a charred brick wall

and faded letters on glass from derelict clinics and museums.

 

The crumbling roads lead to one sole traffic light

connecting fourteen churches and 1300 people.

A red wooden burger shack sits upon the red clay

and the town sprouts the occasional pop-up liquor store.

 

City Hall bears old blood and righteous intentions

among the empty pockets and creaking homes--

from monthly food drives with expired meat

to funding the stadium with a giant scoreboard.

 

The police officer makes his third round down Main.

“Nothing else to do once the school zone lights die.”

In that only brick schoolhouse on top of the hill,

they chisel the children, prepping them to remain.

 

If no one learns, then no one leaves.

Author's Note

Photo by Stewart Grand Photography

Reviews

[Onlyme]

I liked this poem really looked deep into the heart and soul of a City from where you cometh. Beautifully expressed and heartfelt and I could picture all inside my mind's eye.

[Cobblestone Traveler]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you liked it!

[Onlyme]

I love how you express yourself in your poems. The ones I have had a chance to look at. Your have a great insightful mind. That makes you feel part of the poem.

[Cobblestone Traveler]

Those are kind words. Thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

The town sound wonderful. I liked the one-stop towns. Cozy and quiet. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Cobblestone Traveler]

Thank you! I appreciate you coming to read.