“The Paradox of Chicago” by Tyàe Grant

I am from a big city

One voted to have the best skyline in the world

Still properly segregated

My chicago and your chicago still looks and smells different

I’m use to the abandoned buildings

The neighborhood homeless man who doesn’t mean any harm

The men at the corner store who are gonna make sure that I know that I look good

With people who can dance to any beat

And mama’s that make checks stretch over two weeks

With restaurants that looks like a little shacks

They a little ghetto but they’ll have the best food

With potholes that’ll buss your tires

Graffiti art from the hidden talent in the hood

Sirens all throughout the night

and prayers for the unknown

Where “be safe” is more than a nicety

But the hope that I’ll still see you tomorrow

I’m from where everybody tryna make it out of

But i’ll never forget to show love

A city that were proud of no matter what

Tyàe Grant is from Chicago, Illinois and served as a 2022-2023 LSWA Student Assistant. She believes that poetry is a form advocacy and a great way to learn and reflect on different things that life may bring.