Global Classroom Creative Writing Anthology 2015
Detroit
Somewhere Unforgettable
Detroit. I love the city. Partly because it’s human nature to love and defend the place you were born and grew up in, but partly because of its never ending willingness to
overcome adversity and its ceaseless struggle to flourish again. It’s hard when the universe is against you. In Detroit’s case, the racial riots, bad economy and ineffective city
government dilapidated the urban complex and established its horrible reputation.
Glistening trees lit up the exquisite pathway. An escaped droplet of water ran down her rosy cheeks, dimpling her delighted face. “Don’t stray off the path”, her mother
had said. A nearby pond welcomed her with a flick of a coy fish’s tail, distracting her thoughts and dotting her attire; she giggled. An abrupt burst of wind caused her to
gasp as it sent her sun hat flying. She pursued the fleeing adornment. But it was too late; she strayed off the path.
So far, Detroit’s attempts in re-development have been ineffective: all factories still shuttered closed. Taken with them, the well-paying manufacturing jobs. Now, over half
of Detroit’s population rests below poverty level. But there’s a certain tenderness that emerges deep within its streets, within the people proud to declare “I’m from Detroit”.
You can’t define this feeling, but you can feel it. You can feel it within its bricks which witness its struggle, within each inch of cracked paint and within every cracked smile.
The glare of light faded little by little in each stride, and darkness enveloped the suddenly quivering girl like a blanket. The little light that escaped the canopy of dead,
entangled branches formed an eerie effect on the lifeless plants; casting ghastly shadows. The monsters that dwelled in her mind seemed to come to life as the whistling,
whispering wind chilled her paling body.
The city isn’t a loaded gun filled with people that can kill you, it’s a city which thrives with an overwhelming desire to be resilient, and most importantly, to be free of notoriety.
I created some of my first and finest memories there, and it created America’s. This is the city which built our country, raising it from pupilage, to productivity. Being the base
of large companies such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler, which had their laughter and had their tears, the city got its nickname as ‘Motown’. Seeing
potential in the city, these companies contribute money into community job training and rebuilding. They contribute to a city that they believe and trust. A city with rich
history, tremendous potential and a huge heart.
Her vigorously bit lip left a copper aftertaste in her tender mouth, and the lantern that she had found lying abandoned, was clutched onto so tightly her knuckles had
turned unbecomingly white. Crunch. She walked through the hazardous forest at a fast walking pace, rhythmically swinging her free hand to create momentum. Like a
beast craving for flesh, the protruding, sharpened branches clawed at her petticoat and skin; blood streaming like raindrops against a window. The steadfast girl trudged
on, ignoring the sight of her etched limbs; her lunch threatened reappearance.
Detroit; with its name, I feel amazement, captivation, anger, sadness and boldness. I will always be drawn to and fascinated with the city. The years I lived there were some
of the greatest of my life and I will never think twice about calling it home. Scarred, yet beautiful, Detroit continuously fights a battle for dignity, respect and worth. A battle
which once was against itself, turned into a battle for the betterment of itself. One of the finest examples of the city’s integrity is Detroit’s Receiving Hospital. Being the first
trauma center in America, it focuses on critically ill patients, emergency medical care and trauma, with more than 250,000 patients annually.
However, the city is continuing to drown in a pit of prejudice, unreasoned opinions and exaggerated truths, attempting to reinvent itself into what used to be a city built upon
strength, muscle and sweat. With years of misfortune, it became more afraid of betraying its country and becoming obsolete than of decline in population and economy. The
city is not only boldly surviving, but valiantly living. Having lived through the ups and downs, people never turn their backs on the city which they call home, and indelibly
know that no matter what happens, they will always love Detroit.
The stench of rotting animal bodies wafted in the air from time to time, startling her and causing her to cringe – wrinkling her immaculate features. The strong consistent
breeze coerced the