Poem: The City by Coletha Albert

A long, long time ago I needed The City to take care of me but she didn’t

A lifetime ago I needed The State to embrace and protect me but she didn’t

An eon ago I needed The Government to guide me and support me but she didn’t

To my every request she said no

To my every plea she said no

To my every pledge she said no

To my every sacrifice she said no

The Government’s no is now a blessing to me

The State’s rejection is now a miracle to me

The City’s abandonment of me is now the Greatest Love shown to me

It is The County’s way of protecting me

All these miles

All these tears

All along

The City held me Dear.

The City killed me so that I could live.

The City enslaved me that I might value my freedom.

The City hated me that I might embrace, and know true Love.

The City rejected me so I could breathe, laugh, love in peace and loyalty.