As an English major thus far, I've taken classes that have ranged from "Writing about Baseball" to "Shakespeare" or even "Creative Writing: Porn Scenes."
(OK, the third one is fake, but wouldn't that literally be the easiest and most rewarding class one could take? Look for my first post-grad project, "Debbie Does Medford ... Then Somerville" at a porn store near you.)
Nudie movies aside, studying English at Tufts has been a rewarding experience. But it wasn't until this semester that I decided to take a stab at poetry. And it hasn't been easy.
All the famous poems I had ever read used abstract metaphors and elegant diction, but in case you can't tell, those aren't my strong suits.I'm a townie, and for me to express myself, I need allusions to beer, sports, Paris Hilton or movies. So here's a poem written from a townie's perspective, about the city and area I know so well.
An Ode to Medford
Sweet Medford, city that makes my heart beat
Like Athens or Rome, but with hotter chicks.
Beware the townie boyfriend, this I entreat,
Or the river you see won't be the Mystic, but the Styx.
There's entertainment, for the young and old,
Revere Beach, GoodTimes, or go get booze.
There's Fenway, where the Sox' story is told,
But bring many ones, for it's the Foxy Lady I'd choose.
Do you strive for knowledge? A history buff?
You're in a good spot, Medford's got its share.
If Bunker Hill or North Church ain't enough,
Ride down my street to follow Paul Revere.
Oh, you're a glutton, well, food's my expertise,
Head to Vinny's for pasta, Hooters for wings.
Or eat my mainstay, a Bob's steak and cheese,
As a townie, I feel you should know these things.
Locals are unique, but rules you must follow,
Buy chuggable beer and yell "Yankee's Suck!"
Like the Yanks? Your pride you must swallow,
New Yorkers can survive too, with a little luck.
Tufts is one of Medford's crown jewels,
Though it's too strict, are we in Krakow?
But it's not Harvard, those kids are tools,
No wonder they want our President Bacow.
This city's my home, has been for many years,
I love this city like a husband loves a wife.
And when I leave, I'll fight back the tears,
Because we all know I'm a townie for life.
