the landscape of a Phoenix rising

we don't talk about Detroit.
it's a dirty secret
that shows
what happens
when corruption
and greed become
commonplace.

we don't mention
the apocalyptic landscape
or
the 1.3 million people
who fled
for other parts of the country.

we turn a blind eye
to the fact
that good, qualified people
could run for office,
but they won't
because our political system
is a sham.

we won't mention neighbors
burning down
vacant houses in their
neighborhood
to keep the junkies
from squatting
in the eyesore that
once housed a family
with a future,
with an income,
with a reason to make
Detroit their home.

there are still people
in the Motor City,
hanging on,
foraging for life,
trying to continue.

the fact is
it could have happened anywhere,
but industry decided to die
in its birthplace
where Motown slung some
of the sexiest music
history has to offer.

and as the people slowly
rise to their feet
maybe we can learn
from the enormous mistake
that took place:
those who led us into ruin
weren't interested in us,
they were only interested
in the privileges that come
with leading.