swept streets
and sidewalks
windows shined
to a gleam
a 'how do you do'
when passing
fruits polished
to the extreme

it's downtown
that's this neighborhood
laughing people
yelping dogs
friendly faces
but to a stranger
this side
of the neighborhood
could be uncertainty
distrust
and strange places

don't scurry past
when you're on this side
of town
raise your head
force a smile
do not frown

for this is the spice
of the neighborhood
these faces
they all are for real
no lies
will be told
in this neighborhood
and we welcome you all
with much zeal.