A Place I Once Knew-F

There was a large family, who never needed sympathy. They had some lacks and doubts, but they never needed handouts. There was a ragged house with a real home inside. There were strong brick walls and solid floors of concrete. One could complain of pain and go insane, or board a bus, or maybe catch a fast train. One could subsist and merely survive, or become persistent and learn to strive. There was much displeasure, but there was stability. There was respect for fears, but there was security. There was a sense of belonging inside, but aspirations and longings outside. There were adjustments for the seasons inside, but an oppressive social structure outside. There was the feel of family and warmth inside, but an unrelenting bone-aching coldness outside. It was not a place of pride to be from, but one of plotting to get away from. Most people from there are long gone. It was never a good place to belong. There was always music; usually blue. Such was a place I once knew. 092521PS