Regent Park – A Sonnet

By Lianna Shen

I.

Regent Park was built to house the needy.
They wanted it to stand the test of time.
Today, the streets are plagued with urban crime,
The buildings are so old – it’s pretty seedy.

The people here are different from each other.
But still, they walk and share the concrete land.
Granted, it’s not like they’ll walk hand-in-hand,
Here they live and fight with one another.

There’s strife, there’s hunger; there is also danger.
When you can’t eat, there’s not much you can do.
Yes, it’s true – it’s not all peace and love here.
Some steal, some sell drugs – trust me, you might too.

But there’s no need to watch the streets in fear
After all, you’re only driving through.


II.

Regent Park is like an unsightly bruise.
It’s not to be removed but iced and healed.
There’s really nothing there to be concealed,
But at this point, a walk at night I’d refuse.

Development. Design. Generation.
Put a RE in front and it’s a project.
Help the community is its object,
But often it’s just a lot of discussion.

We want to help, says the city. Yes, please.
They promise that this time they’ll do it right.
We’re gonna do it, give us your keys.
Great new plans, no need to put up a fight.

And maybe when it’s done, the evening breeze
Will be enjoyed on many walks at night.

Photo courtesy of http://www.environmentalhazards.com/images/Regent%20Park%20Demo%20Media%20Event%202006%20001.jpg