A Tale of Old City

Philadelphia

Historic buildings may be closed

But there’s more to Old City than these

The buskers and artists not bound in the box

Still practice their crafts with ease

So, you can’t hear the toll of the Liberty Bell

Or breathe history in our sacred Hall

Ben Franklin’s press is drying up

His Court shut down to all

But brotherly love is still right here,

Defiantly vibrant, it seems

The birthplace of freedom keeps marching on

To the beat of Americans’ dreams

Author's Note

Spent Friday evening in Old City Philadelphia, where Independence National Park is "shut down". The streets were packed with musicians and artisans, a monthly outdoor craft fair... artists, just doin' what they do...

Reviews

[Marie]

The politicians can't shut all of us down...

[Rita L. Sev]

Amen... Thanks, Marie.

[SyberRose]

I have quite a few paintings by sidewalk artists...you can't shut down the artists....they keep doing their thing...enjoyed reading Rita...Rose:)

[Rita L. Sev]

It was great to see, alongside the closed historic sites... Thanks, Rose.

[Jack...]

You can't stop everything. This was fantastic Rita. I could picture the streets of downtown Philly, bustling with activity. The sights, the sounds, everything was here in you fine poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

It was a lively scene, and I'm so glad we joined in... Thanks, Jack!

[icelandicblue]

Two fist pumps for you Rita. I haven't been to Philly for a couple of years but you capture its history now quiet but its life's blood still pumping. Nice work.

[Rita L. Sev]

"History now quiet, but life's blood still pumping..." Perfectly expressed! Thanks, Blue!

[Anand Sehgal]

its all about heritages :) wonderful tribute :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Anand!

[Dr. Wood ?]

the old town will live and breathe history for evermore...My dream is to cross the ocean one day and see ALL of it....Ha....Nothing wrong with dreaming...This poem is short and stupendous

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, come on across, Doc - my husband (a Park ranger) says that the Brits are the best guests! Thanks.

[Dr. Wood ?]

I cannot say that that is true,,,,but Wendy and I are harmless enough

[Michael G. Smith]

Nice tribute to Philadelphia. I got up to Boston last year to visit the North Church and New York the year before for the Statue of Liberty. Hopefully I will get to your city one day.

[Rita L. Sev]

Highly recommended, both for the history and the art. Thanks, Mike!

[Pryde Foltz]

I wish I had been there. A lovely tribute to your home.

[Rita L. Sev]

Come on over, Pryde! Thanks.

[Frieda P]

...and the band played on, you can't stop creativity and spirit...now if only top officials could carry this tune. This is hope on the page, you always do it so well Rita...

[Rita L. Sev]

Hope, indeed - from we the people. Thanks, Frieda!

[redflutterby]

Reminds me that there's so much around us to see. The big parks and monuments may be what attracts tourists but there's other local attractions that are just as wonderful. Great write!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly - plenty to see and do, everywhere. Thanks, Red!