P. D. X.

Housing prices rise

People wave cardboard signs

Rose Gardens and zoos

Small parks and views

Hiking trails and bike lanes

Blankets wrapping the insane

Smells of coffee and bread

A man makes the landmark his bed

Pioneer Courthouse Square

We enjoy the Oregon air

Explore the city by day

Stay off the streets by night

What a pretty city that has visitors every day

I still don’t know…why anyone would stay

 

Background

I used to live in Portland a few years ago. I have since returned and am seeing the city in a new light. As a young professional it is hard to see myself living here long term with the housing prices rising and the ever-present insanity of people I see on the street. Most neighborhoods that I have friends in are unsafe to walk at night and places like the library and a coffee shop have without warning become bedlam with people bursting in screaming, yelling profanities and pitching tents outside.

Maybe Portland is for you and I have offended you with some of these verses. My goal with this poem was not to offend but merely to express what I see: a city beautiful with parks and lots of potential, but also with an ugly and chaotic side. I aim to trudge through this next year here and then move away for good.

Thank you for reading.