WEST OF HERE

This is where I grew up. These are the schools
I went to, these are the parks I played in
as a child; this is the grocery store, the post office,
city hall, and the shopping center with
everything you could ever want.
Some of it was here long before
my time, some of it grew up around us.

I’m showing you around. I hardly notice
any of it anymore, but you are
learning everything by repetition.
It won’t be home forever.

It will be good for you to become
a little familiar with this place and the way
of the people, and you will see
some of it in me. I hope you’re able to take it
on board with me standing here with you.

(16 August 2006)