Manchester Poem by D Loveday Morris

Manchester

They say New York is the city where dreams are made
I see Manchester is the city where they integrate
A potpourri of cultures, flavours and faces
United in a city with beautiful historic and contemporary spaces
Although not really a one size fits all
It is graced with a charm that breathtakingly enthralls
It may not compete with other cities in terms of size
But it is perhaps one of a few cities where spring falls in love with winter and beautiful summer cries

Manchester is the city of I can be
Buzzing with the hope of the bumble bee
It's a place where skyscrapers and rivers interlace
With green trees, to cool the city's northernly pace
Birds chirp with all their hearts
And landscape changes with the vibrant street art
Take a look at various historic buildings' walls
And you'll come to see Manchester is more than football

But the love of football cannot be underplayed
Fans sacrifice everything; a game, not even a winter rain will delay
As for me, I am the city's united fan
Anything Manchester, I cannot choose just one
The city's blue is as peaceful as the skies
And the red beats with heart and my eyes cry
Yet when it comes time for a league derby
I'm prepared to sacrifice it all for unity and lean a bit more Rashfordy

It rains in Manchester- lots of different things
Open windows and kindness goes in
Now I remember a forgotten bus pass
Didn't stop Arriva allowing me to ride with class
A trip to town day or night
Dance with musicians and sing to your heart's delight
It's a city with a beat of itself
And when it's Christmas that's something else

It might have changed a bit since Coronalation
However the heart of the city has not been shaken
It is still a city of fame
Integrated with heart and a love for the game
Where nature and art unites
And there are beautiful people and historic sites
For those looking for a bit more
Put on your masks and explore

D. Loveday Morris

An Extract from the Diary of a Jamaican Critical Care Nurse Living and Working in the UK