Shadows of a City Gone Wrong

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Written: June 23, 2025, for contest Sponsored by: Anthony Biaanco ******************* Growling, arguing, cursing, and screams, They nod to chase after a dollar, a dream. Trapped in clichés, similar to urban swine, Lost residents of the suburbs stand in line. The city of brotherhood and sisterhood, Racially diverse cultures and schools stood. Philly cheese-steaks, hoagies, and homicides, Cocaine vampires succumb side by side. On filthy streets, zombies and dogs coexist, In Fishtown, hunt for meat to eat or a twist. They need medicine and shoes for their feet. Litter chokes Kensington Ave replete street. They say Oxy and fentanyl are to blame. Perhaps it's genetics, wrapped in shame. Predisposed to a life completely polluted— From the moment of birth, deeply rooted. Some were once rich, now penniless, With only a rat and their mute distress. A raw middle-class suburbia faces bruise, Zombies cradle meth and crack misuse. They nod, dip, freeze, and sway— Defying gravity, they struggle to stay. Despite its fame, the land has failed, A monolithic trial, where hopes derailed? Former star-spangled grandeur has faded. Betsy Ross famed flag thread is jaded. A horrible scene for a tourist to behold, A ghostly flat-backed female zombie, cold. Kensington Ave in the city's northeast— Zombies, dogs, and lost souls feast. Two-legged canines in an endless sludge. Life is grim in this dope-fueled grudge.

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Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 6/25/2025 12:34:00 AM

Oh my gosh, so horrific. Your pen captured so well, and oh I wish somehow this were just the penning of a horror movie, but no. I have been seeing them too, in what was once the upper end of town where it was considered a good part of the city. I notice where I live the whole nightmare growing like cancer, but why??! Poor humanity, where did we go wrong, it is so dreadfully sad. They really are like zombies. You captured so well the nightmarish reality.

Paige Hind

Date: 6/24/2025 6:25:00 PM

This is so horrible. You wrote of it with such emotion and clarity.

Krishnanand Guptar

Date: 6/24/2025 10:57:00 AM

A vivid poetic snapshot of an area where it is not counselled to tread alone, particularly at late hours. Another of your masterly gem, dear poet. Wish you the best in the contest.