Stillwell Memories: Ode to Coney Island
How do you say good-bye to
childhood’s beloved landmarks:
gritty salty air, stale, but sweet popcorn
moist and sweaty Cyclone guardrails that barely protect you from falling out
but just not safe enough to not be condemned.
Long treks through the history of Hip Hop
starting in the boogie down with knob filled boomboxes
blasting KRS-one’s South Bronx,
zooming through Harlem World while Teddy Riley brushes his shoulders off
to the grimy strut of Shabba Rank’s BK growl;
all controlled by one random stranger who had the power to entertain hundreds,
cutting a train ride of eternity to danceable moments on the whim of a tape deck DJ.
Ice cold blue on fingers and lips
Watermelon green on fresh new gear
and mama’s fiery red shouts of
“Girl, why you so damn messy?!”
as we walk towards the sea.
Silence, me and the sea seem to be connected
as gentle memories waft past my eyes,
slip down my smile and land on computer keys.
How does one say good bye to the memories of urban dirtiness
too many small toes running across dusty pavement
lost ice cream cones and squeals of delight,
grime, sand and spit when it cradles so much goodness?
Leaving behind summer memories captured digitally only on Wikipedia screens
- The Orange Phoenix 2008
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“Hip Hop starting in the boogie down with knob filled boomboxes…”
Now that brought me back to the Good Ole Days of 80’s rap. When it had a point, and purpose, and message.
Thats a total shame its closing…….
Where I’m going to get my icees and franks - I don’t know. . .
I like how this poem goes through the sensual experiences of childhood to arrive at the current not-hearing, not-seeing,and touch only of computer keys. Well done.
I loved the old C.I. Urban renewal and redevelopment screws up a lot of good stuff! Mom and Pops that you frequented for years, your fave little movie theatre or restaurant, cool little stores you used to shop at. I’m surprised that they weren’t able to make Astroland in Coney Island a historical landmark or something. I will certainly miss it!
farewell Coney Island
i will miss you so
*tearing up*
man. i done made quite a few memories in that place
loving the imagery