Poem 28: Downtown Core

I remember writing a poem years ago about our downtown core

I lauded about all the potential it had, but now I laud no more

I walk this route everyday and seldom do I see a crowd

When it does reach its peak, there’s not that many people found

In the early hours you find the city crews cleaning up the street

I am always greeted with a smile and a wave when we meet

In the summer you see the homeless stretched out on the curb

I chose to walk around them, hoping I don’t disturb

In the colder months you find them inside banks lying on the floor

I guess if you had to use the ATM it would become quite a chore

I wish we could help them all and let them find their way

From what I hear, some refuse the aid and just prefer to stay

The street looks so run down with its so many vacant stores

No wonder no one seems to venture downtown to shop there anymore

You can pay the meter or go to a parking lot I suppose

Now which stores are open? No one really knows

As for the Downtown Improvement Agency, what does it really do?

The nurse’s clinic is the latest thing that you can say is new

I see the old Chicago Restaurant has a new franchise in its place

I hope it proves successful in its new found space

The police were thinking of hiring a constable and make this its new beat

This area has a bad reputation and it’s the last place people want to meet

A counselor is being considered to help with the people there

This is to assist with members that are receiving mental care

Right now this area has a reputation of being dangerous to roam

Especially after dark, you are better to be safe at home

The big bar scene is done, there are only restaurants to choose

Most of them are licensed so you can still drink your booze

Downtown really relied on the festival to supplement their goal

Now that they have cancelled everything, it’s really taken a toll

How can you make money when people won’t appear?

Try to make this area safe and show there is nothing to fear!

This would take one hell of an effort to return Main Street to its former glory

Being able to walk this street at night with no want or worry

So please just don’t talk about it, or at least give it a serious try

Or just don’t take any initiative and continue to let it slowly die

Maybe it’s time to get rid of the stores and make it a business section instead

Then this area of our city can be risen from the dead

it seems nobody is wanting to really make this area thrive

Somebody better start making some big decisions if they want it to survive