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