Once in a while,
as though pulled in by some desire
or force,
some decide to take a ride back
to Cafe Town.
But they find a different neighborhood.
One that has since fallen into disrepair.
It’s not always a long visit.
They’ve discovered going back is sad.
“I remember Robbie,
or Marie, or Frieda P,” they might say.
They may recall the place in a way
one might remember flags that lined porches
or trees on each side of the street where they lived.
But life changes.
Their names are no longer on the mailbox.
Homes are becoming vacant.
It’s a lost community
abandoned by its mayor.
It suffers from neglect
and maintenance issues.
Some have moved on, as they should.
And some are still surviving, pruning nouns
or mowing verbs but at a slower pace.
The street may look different.
And old friends may be gone for good.
But on this new block,
you’re never turned away.
There will always be opportunities to write about
the sun, the rain, a train…
Cafe Town,
once in a while
they still go back,
wondering what happened
to the block they once loved.
It does sound like a town that has been forgotten. You described it well, so sad.
Yes, as sad as it is there was plenty of time to improve things, but…. Thanks Fia.
I lived there for 17 years. But had to move, the police moved out and glitches moved in. They set up tents and overtook the place.
j.
I don’t know whether to laugh or sigh at your comment. It was such a great place at one time. Let’s hope this site is a new and better beginning for most of us from Cafe Town. 🙂 Thanks J.
Powerfully penned, Tim. Incredible write my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian
Thanks for the input, Damian. :)))