My Norfolk.

This is Norfolk Feet stamp the sidewalk Flap flap flapping Off to somewhere, anywhere A hot summer day in the city With nothing and everything to do Streets cars people buzz, a sturdy hive All I hear is the wind across my water bottle Humming a melody of the distant seas Of sailors’ tales new and old Far from this life on the brink of the ghetto Cool water brings relief from the southern swelter This is Norfolk Azalea buds roll by Like fuschia hipsters on a mission Too focused on the next big thing Nor pay mind to a country girl like me Nothing and everything here is like home Comfortably unfamiliar A longing for the simplest gesture of welcome Just like these streets I am Caught in the middle of fitting in and belonging Too misused to be treasured, yet too offbeat to be forgotten My potato and your grits make an unconventional union This is my Norfolk.