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.
(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