“A life of wisdom consists of constantly being engaged in letting go.”
Francisco Varela

With West Philly High in place
The promise of education took hold
In the growing neighborhood.
Row houses, the norm all over Philadelphia,
Were not the standard in the western neighborhood.
Apartments became the rage, stuffing people into boxes,
While the boom continued.
Factories and warehouses were left to the rest of the city
As the middle class moved into the new developments.
A subtle change was happening.
Where jobs had once been plentiful for non-skilled workers
A subtle erosion was happening.
Worse, the intolerant nature of people
Was beginning to froth
And West Philadelphia High School
Was not up to its mission
To be a social hub for the community.