NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Write Your Block: NORTH PHILLY YEAH!

Mapping Philadelphia, one poem at a time

Write Your Block: NORTH PHILLY YEAH!

Mapping Philadelphia, one poem at a time

Frank Sherlock, former Philadelphia Poet Laureate, created Write Your Block as a way for Philadelphians to explore their neighborhoods via poetry, charting—and sharing—their communities through their own words. The result: A map of Philadelphia that is not rivers and parks and streets, but ideas and memories and dreams for neighborhoods through the people who know them best. Below, one such poem, from one Philadelphian.

Submit your own neighborhood poem here.

NORTH PHILLY YEAH!
by Angela Hankins
Know Who You Are: A North Philly Don

(written to inspire and uplift residents in N. Philadelphia)

As long as you know who you are
You’ll be a step ahead!

Being you is the only path

you really have to tread!
Dealing with your loved ones,
co-workers, friends or lover.
Just be you and you’ll be sure

to more than just get over.

Never need you hover
below your expectations -
Underneath your dreams!
Your unique self it seems
propels imagination
and gives you a sense of strength –

Power like a King -

Confidence immense –

Be who you are!
Baby please -
Do not change a thing!

You will love results of

what being yourself can bring.
If our roads are altered
by some circumstance of living -
that we cannot control or change -

or makes us just stop giving

Our best –
Our honest heartfelt best

effort to possess success.

Know who you are!

Just be you -

and you will do that best!

Header Photo: Flickr/Tony Fischer

The Philadelphia Citizen will only publish thoughtful, civil comments. If your post is offensive, not only will we not publish it, we'll laugh at you while hitting delete.

Be a Citizen Editor

Suggest a Story

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility. For questions or clarification on these conditions, please contact Director of Sales & Philanthropy Kristin Long at [email protected] or call (609)-602-0145.