In Support of National Poetry Month: In a Charleston Minute – Original Poem

By Mark A. Leon

With the warmth of a sunrise over the Charleston Harbor, the good Lord blessed this boat as it departs on its long journey

With the waves of steeples and the song of church bells, we say goodbye

In a Charleston minute, paradise found

With the breeze in our hair, we reminisce
Frolicking in the Pineapple Fountain
Tasting the sweet nectar of a Southern orange at the market
Toasting a life well lived from the rooftop overlooking the French Quarter
We walked in the footsteps of General Washington and heard the echoes of ghosts

In a Charleston minute, it was the perfect storm

From the beaches of Folly to the courage of the Yorktown
Cheers of the RiverDogs to the tears of Mother AME

This city has stories written on its walls
Inspired, blessed, haunted and nurtured

As the harbor curves toward the ocean, we salute the first shots of the Civil War and thank the sands of Sullivan’s for its cinematic sunsets

In a Charleston minute, we found peace in a world of chaos

Cultured by the art of Broad
Playful with the aquarium ocean life
Glittered by the shops of King
Educated by the beauty of academia
Showered by the residential passion of Colonial Lake
Soothed by the glow of The Battery
Danced to the country sounds of Darius
Dined by gas light under the stars

In a Charleston minute, we realized the meaning of home

A place of community blessed with hope
Where sun shines brighter, the faith remains strong and the promise of a life fulfilled for our children is the cornerstone of everything

In a Charleston minute, we loved