Wild Wilderness

What it used to be —what it could be, North Philly

Imagine the wild that once stood here. Is this better use?

This is a common sight in North Philadelphia. Space that is paved — not in use. Trash is strewn about, the fence broken. Graffiti acts as art. Other abandoned spaces have trash piled high. This is one of the better examples. This one allows us to see more clearly what could be.

There are thousands of children nearby that need this space. The neighborhood is faced with high levels of crime and poverty. A wild wilderness could help combat both of these issues. The wild wilderness that once was, is needed here again.

Another common sight in areas like this is housing developers building up every inch with high-end housing. Gentrification in motion. So, there is little hope that this space will be restored to the wild wilderness that once was and is badly needed.

Paved over then leftover. Not in use. It would be wild if there was a wilderness there. It should be, a place where trees grow, urban wildlife takes refuge, the earth is able to breathe and take care of itself, and humans can explore. Healing could begin for humans and Earth.

We can’t see what was, but we could dream of the wild wilderness that should be. Trees growing tall, providing shade for the layers of wildness below. Life abounds at all levels. Birds find their worms and all the bugs they could eat. All cycles of life on display.

Space for children to spend their days playing tag and climbing trees with their dads. Benches filled with older adults drinking tea. The sounds of nature — the wild wilderness soundtrack — follows them home in their heads. Oh, what peacefulness takes over the neighborhood when the wild wilderness comes back to stay. Unpave it today.

Thanks for reading!