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) - 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
Offline)
Comments3
you can always go back home,but you can`t go back in time
thanks for reading. and quite true but sometimes sad.
you`re welcome
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.
thanks for reading. Just have to find new places to create new memories.
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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