38TH & LUDLOW

fuche_bu

Grabbing a buffet dinner

at Sitar India in West Philly

and it hits me—

 

it hits me hard—

exactly where I am.

 

I walk out to see

the street sign:

38th & Ludlow.

 

38th & Ludlow

Where once stood a legend

now a discount furniture store

or some such shit.

 

It made me feel ill

as I walked by the brick building

that once was the Chestnut Cabaret.

 

The memories flooding my head

were intense:

 

Buddy Guy strolling through the crowd

playing his guitar;

King Yellowman with his X-rated dub;

Burning one down with Cippolina;

A baker’s dozen Radiators shows.

 

The memories did

outnumber the tears

welling up in my eyes.

 

Tis true,

You can’t go home again

but the jarring sight of

“Everything 50% off”

on such a hallowed space.

 

It was like a kick in the nuts

that I certainly didn’t need.

 

 

  • Author: fuche_bu (Offline Offline)
  • Published: September 22nd, 2018 13:06
  • Comment from author about the poem: For Philly people of a certain age, the old Chestnut Cabaret was a legend. So many wonderful musicians graced its stage. But alas, now stands a used furniture store and all I have left are the memories.
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 27
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Comments +

Comments3

  • ron parrish aka wordman

    you can always go back home,but you can`t go back in time

    • fuche_bu

      thanks for reading. and quite true but sometimes sad.

      • ron parrish aka wordman

        you`re welcome

      • Goldfinch60

        Those memories will always be with you.
        Some of those places that were your havens 'back in the day' and are now completely different will still have your memories within their walls.

        • fuche_bu

          thanks for reading. Just have to find new places to create new memories.

        • The Gifted One

          Nostalgia is such bitter sweet of a better tomorrow. This so beautiful to speak of yesteryears about Philly. Have a great day as well.

          The Gifted One



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