48 Hours in Charleston – Original Poem

By Mark A. Leon

In Charleston’s heart, where history meets the sea, I spent 48 hours, wild and free, Downtown’s charm, a Southern delight, A tale of grace, from morning to night.

Daybreak paints the sky in hues of pink and gold, As the cobblestone streets in their stories unfold, In the Holy City’s embrace, I wander and roam, In the land of palmettos, I’ve found my home.

The market awakens, a bustling display, Artisans and vendors in the early light’s sway, Sweetgrass baskets weave tales of the past, As the scent of Gullah cuisine fills the air at last.

Rainbow Row, a colorful delight, Houses that glow in the soft morning light, With their pastel facades, history in each brick, I stroll in wonder, their stories I pick.

The Battery whispers secrets of days gone by, With moss-draped oaks and the sea’s gentle sigh, Mansions of old, a regal array, Overlooking the harbor, where ships once sailed away.

At Waterfront Park, by the pineapple fountain I rest, With a view of the harbor, I am truly blessed, Children laugh, couples embrace, In this serene oasis, time finds its pace.

King Street beckons with boutiques and flair, Fashion and treasures, a shopper’s affair, But it’s more than the stores, it’s the people you meet, Their warmth and their smiles make the city complete.

As the sun dips below the horizon’s embrace, The Holy City transforms with elegance and grace, Gas lamps flicker to life, stars in the night sky, Charleston’s nocturnal beauty, I can’t deny.

The culinary scene, a culinary delight, Lowcountry cuisine in the soft candlelight, Shrimp and grits, sweet tea by the glass, Every bite a memory, a moment to amass.

The rhythmic beat of jazz fills the air, In cozy bars, I find solace and care, A glass of bourbon, the notes of a sax, In Charleston’s music, I lose track of time’s tracks.

With 48 hours passed in this charming place, Downtown Charleston’s a timeless embrace, In its history and culture, I found my way, In this Southern jewel, I’ll forever stay.