Chicago Slice of Life

July 7, 2015 by margaretsmn

Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for Tuesdays Slice of Life Challenge.

My husband and I spent the long holiday weekend in Chicago visiting my youngest daughter and her boyfriend. I captured a few moments in words and pictures.

Chicago, a city of old and new,
packs of people
in an array of colors
speaking different languages.

Chicago, a skyline of high rises
and shore lines,
fireworks,
music,
crowds and space.

Chicago, a city of many flavors,
fresh brewed beer that tastes of flowers,
specialty tacos,
frites–
“If you call them frites, they are good for you.”

Chicago, an artistic expression–
mosaic faces in the train station,
sidewalk statues,
Chagall’s window–
invitation to stop and see.

Chicago, miles and miles
of neighborhoods
holding on to history,
museums and parks
for playing and learning.

Above all
is the person
Chicago holds.
Keep her safe,
teach her tolerance,
peace, and kindness,
inspire her
to dream.

Posted in Slice of Life | Tagged Chicago, Travel | 11 Comments

11 Responses

on July 7, 2015 at 4:18 pm | Reply Linda Baie

Love the pictures always, Margaret. How wonderful to spend time with your daughter. That’s the best thing!
on July 7, 2015 at 4:38 pm | Reply jarhartz

I love Chicago and all it offers. But what got me was this:

“Above all
is the person
Chicago holds.”

Still crying.

She’s beautiful. Looks just like you!
on July 7, 2015 at 5:17 pm | Reply Michelle Haseltine

Beautiful words and beautiful pictures! It sounds like it was a wonderful trip!!
on July 7, 2015 at 5:32 pm | Reply Jack Ferstel

Wonderful tribute!
on July 7, 2015 at 5:38 pm | Reply Tara Looney

Beautiful! You managed to capture an amazing city in the inspiration and love you hold for your daughter.
on July 7, 2015 at 6:20 pm | Reply 3011mileswestofvt

Thanks for these lovely glimpse of your trip. I have never been to Chicago, other than the airport, or nervously trying to navigate the tangle to traffic on my way to one coast or the other. So glad you had this special time with your daughter.
on July 7, 2015 at 6:44 pm | Reply Donna Smith

You two look so happy! What a wonderful trip! Love your photos and the very special poem.
on July 8, 2015 at 1:53 am | Reply debbussewitz

I enjoyed reading your post today. Chicago is my kind of town. Your photos and your words paints a nice picture of a really vibrant and beautiful city. Your last stanza, connecting the town to your daughter is poignant. What we want for those we love… for them to be safe, tolerant, peaceful and kind. And to have all that is necessary to inspire dreams.
on July 8, 2015 at 3:40 am | Reply readingtothecore

I’m glad you had such a wonderful time with your daughter. Your poem captures the spirit of the city and its wonders, but the last stanza really says it all: “Keep her safe…inspire her to dream.” Lovely.
on July 8, 2015 at 4:10 am | Reply newtreemom

You saved the best for last!
on July 11, 2015 at 1:23 pm | Reply Celebrating Travels Near and Far | Reflections on the Teche

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