Where I Come from Final

Home

Where are you from?

Chicago...

but no, not really

I live in a house with a jungle gym
and a patio in the backyard

In a neighborhood with block parties 

and neighbors that know each other far too well

with kids outside past dark in the summertime
running and inhaling the crisp, clean air as it blows past them

with no pointed gates and bolted doors

no bright lights at night

nothing but stars and branches in the pitch black sky 

It's a suburb just north of Chicago

but no its not a typical suburb

it is not an enclosed community

the neighborhoods are connected by a crossword of roads

with blocks of apartments, shacks, bungalows and mansions

not one home to be mistaken with another

then theres downtown 

with all of the big-name stores and people everywhere
 and restaurants emitting their unique aroma as if claiming their territory...
strolling down the sidewalk smells transform: 
from the tangy stir-fry of flattop
to greasy buffalo wings from Buff Joes
to Chipotle's spicy burritos
to scrumptious bakery goods from Bennisons
to the warm crisp crust of deep dish pizza
all in one block
displaying the diversity
that is this town

Isn't that where Northwestern is?

yes, but its not a typical college town.

The university lies on the edge--

The wildcats are incorporated into this community 

already rich in sports, arts, music, business and 

more

You want to know where I'm from?

go there, grow up there

plant your roots into its soil like the pine tree that towers over my house

no words can describe it, theres nowhere like it

I'm from Evanston and

theres no place like home