Ode to Oakland

Today my virtual journey took me through Oakland, Ca (check out the map to the right to track our journey to Shamrock). I won't lie, Oakland is not my favorite place on earth. Maybe it gets a bad rap. I don't know. Anyway, I wrote it a poem to commemorate my "leaving" it.


Oh Oakland, birthplace of my mother's father, how I do not love to visit you.

Your freeways heading in every direction confuse me. Your streets leave me lost and wondering through unfamiliar neighborhoods. But wait, what is this? From the hills to your east you offer the most amazing views of San Francisco, the bay, and the bridges that cross it. Perhaps I have been unfair in judging you. You are home to some gorgeous art deco buildings and beautiful craftsman houses. Yes, you have had ups and downs. You were born of the gold rush, you offered shelter to thousands after the Great Quake, and you provided for our country in a time of war. For years you have struggled, but are trying to improve in many ways.

Oh Oakland, city of confusing freeways, I do not like to drive in you. But perhaps I will visit you again some day soon...or simply pass through you in my locked car on the way to the airport.