Walking downtown,
for the first time in years,
everything is still there.
On Main Street,
you still see the same restaurants
shinning bright for business
and stores being busier than ever before
filled with people.
As you go deeper into downtown,
there is more small business
conquering locals and visitors to visit—
it is either a hit or a miss.
Children are walking close to their parents—
feeling closer and loved
by holding their hands
as they are feeling protected.
Somewhere downtown,
you hear the local band playing
familiar tunes that you listened years ago,
especially the jazzy tenor saxophone.
Many families would stop and listen years ago.
But now, families are on the go
and have their personal devices to entertain them.
Suddenly, you glance at a street
completely unknown to your memory.
Its cold and not filled with people
instead filled with old and unsafe homes.
Why can’t you remember this street?
Did you once go to the street long ago
or was this street already dangerous?
Now that you’ve seen this street,
you don’t remember seeing other streets
and the homes that were just land long ago.
New street lights,
more people that you don’t know in your hometown.
You once lived here
felt welcome and knew everyone.
Now, where you once lived
feels uncomfortable and filled with strangers.