If Brooklyn Was My Lover, Here’s What I’d Say
Thoughts on gentrification in NYC
To My Love,
Before I met you, I always assumed I’d find love in Harlem. It’s where I always wanted to be. I don’t say this to make you jealous. I actually mean it as a compliment.
When I moved to New York, suitcases and bright eyes in tow, I couldn’t help but be drawn to you. Your vibe was different, more magnetic than anything I’d ever experienced.
You overflow with wisdom from different lands. You bear the heart and soul of what the City’s all about. The hustle, the swag, the creative edge, that’s all you, boo. It’s been you. I’ll never not give you your props.
I’ve never met anyone like you, and I probably never will again.
You’ve been through a lot, my love. And because of that, you come with a lot of baggage. As much as you’ve given, much more has been taken. It’s made you kind of tough, no disrespect. But I want you to know I’m here for you. I see the battle scars. I see remnants from the past. I love you just the way you are.
And because I love you, I’m trying to give you space to experiment and grow. But this current version of you? This money-hungry derivative of your past that’s causing you to say ‘yes’ to any and every opportunity that comes your way? It’s a lot, B. It’s not a good look. Feels like you’re doing too much.
When we first met, everything about you was familiar. You felt like home. Now, I barely even recognize you. I hate that you’re pushing me away.
I hope you’re hearing me, Brooklyn. I really miss you.
I know you can’t help all the changes you’re going through, and I realize we all go through different seasons, but some of this is happening way too fast and it’s really hard to watch you switch up like this.
You’re choosing money over your soul. You can’t see that? So many people are getting left out in the cold because of you. I don’t understand you right now. This isn’t like you.
No disrespect, I just needed to tell you how I feel. Every day there’s something new, and I just want to get back to us, ok? I want to get back to how we were before. I realize life’s not that simple, but I’d like to try. I know I’m focused on your change when I’ve changed too… I don’t know. I’m not sure what to do.
For better or worse though, B, you’ve changed my life. I’ve never met anyone like you, and I probably never will again. I guess I’m just trying to say I miss you. We’ve been on a wild ride over these past few years. By now, most people would have called it quits, but no relationship is perfect. To me, you are home.
I hope you’re hearing me, B. I really miss you. I hope one day soon you can get back to your roots.
