A Few Lines Composed Above Rittenhouse Square, On Revisiting Central Philadelphia During A Tour, March 3rd, 2007.

The window shutters were generally
Where my eyes were, most venerably,
The red bricks seemed both in and out of place;
I spoke a lot, trying not to lose face,
And keep the brogue-breeded blisters at bay,
By so many independent cafes.

O most sylvan of all sovereign states!
On you all my affection concentrates.
With pleasure, I traverse your capital,
Which should have remained our one Capitol;
Regardless of crack-dealers and drive-bys,
There's a beauty we can all abide by.


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I was never much of an epic writer.