Two Tales of the Same City

The poets from Ms. Chambers class at West Park Academy for the Fine Arts wrote about the city they live in, Chicago. After analyzing Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago” they wrote about the negatives and positives of our beloved city.

Ms. Chambers 7th Grade

Untitled by Delaine

My city is amazing
The summers are lovely
But when the weather changes
The winter can be deadly
Even though there’s gangbanging
The cops are out daily
It is fall in covid-19 is still going
But in 2022 there might be a covid 20

Untitled by Guadalupe Martinez

My city is disappointing
People die every day
They attack at night and hide in the day
And “nay” they say when faced with the fuzz
The very same night a child said goodbye

But while that may seem upsetting
We look to what is good

My city is exciting
I love every day, I spend without end
My family and friends help me so
And every day they say “Go!”
My life is a privilege and I love it so dearly
I am happy with my family in the city yearly

Untitled by Xavier Rodriguez

My city is a Devil
We see it on the news everyday
Violence, death, suicide
My city is truly depressing

But there’s a good side

My city is an angel
I am still alive, these stats are rare
Videos on YouTube show heartwarming things and kindness

Untitled by Allison Ramirez

Chicago is out of control
With robbing, shootings, and violence
It is unfortunate and sad
And it feels as though there is not much we can do

But we can’t forget all the good things
With skyscrapers, the food, and the beautiful sights
There is hope
That Chicago will change for the better

Untitled by Vianney Torres

My city is bad of covid-19
People are dying and getting sick
We have to wear masks
There’s also violence and police attacking

My city is friendly
They help you in what you need
And help you achieve your goals
They won’t let you go down and be off track

Untitled by Sean Page

My City My City My City
people talk bad about my city in the cold and it gets windy every night
Hearing gunshots up at 12 they get busy
I don’t be up in the streets so I stay home so they won’t hit me
So many people done died and makes me sick
My auntie died off of drugs so then it’s lit
No wonder why they call a house a trap because it’s a trick

In my mind Chicago we got to keep the faith
Everyday made it out the bread they chased
Put money on the plate for my mama a happy day
Imma try to move them to the hills for a happy way

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