Northeastern Pennsylvania Writing Project

We are from absences
From misplaced counties and displaced homes
We are from Routes 80 and 78
(Intersecting in a nonexistence space)
We are from the hemlock tree
The wild yellow dandelion
Whose prolific reach is a weed
            ever challenged by Round-up and mower.

We’re from rural table and urban bar
            from East Stroudsburg and New York City
We’re from “those stupid hicks”
            and “arrogant city slicks”
From raising taxes and falling wages
            and two-hour commutes

We’re from black, white, brown, yellow, red,
            purple, peach, green, pink
Double latte with extra caffeine
From take me home to find my home –
Why can’t you just leave me alone.

Under the overpass drives another car
            leaving the kids in the dark
Searching for a better life
Bring back the money –
Leave the violence behind
We return in the dark
Searching for the light of day.

We are the Northeastern Pennsylvania Writing Project