See her shine, stand back, behold her glory Sharp lawns and crisp paint Oroville's Southside comes to life Clean, happy children play loudly Smiling Mommas peer out clean of windows Strong youths stride with dignity Grandmas bask in safety Once cluttered yards sparkle with order and beauty Brilliant flower gardens dress the street Holy music drifts out through screen doors Southside comes into her own Men, young and old, home from prison Working, leading, protecting Lawnmowers hum and birds sing joyously Neighbors share tools and 'borrow sugar' They carpool and break bread Barbecue wafts on the breeze The rich man on the hill has 'less' now He opened his heart to his neighbor's need The old homes are restored, now immaculate Empty and once trashed lots are built up beautifully Flawless, quality homes adorn them now Come to Southside Come see the hand of the Father Look at his love for his dear ones See his plan of old unfold Curses broken, land healed, blessings opened Thank you, Father, for your restoration Sons from afar, daughters on the arm The wealth of the nations Stolen gold is back from China In double portion Freedom for the oppressed Thank you, Father, thank you For truly you will do it: The foolish things of the world Confounding the wise Oroville will be Sought After A City No Longer Deserted Stephen Pursell, 1/28/04 |  |
Home > 2004 Poems >