In these writing I reflect upon my time, journeys and impressions of the cities of the world, some in which I have lived, some that I have visited, and some that I have performed in. The urban experience and vibe greatly influence all of my artistic expression. I also reflect on my experiences in other cities in my art, music, and poetry.

Philadelphia This is the city of my birth. This city is filled with vibrant and passionate people and the birthplace of our nation, but it has a dark cloud over it due to the decay brought upon by crime, drugs, violence, and corruption. I feel that the city has failed to reach it's potenial, and geographically, many sections are unsafe and decrepit. From parts of Overbrook where I am from up to Kensington's nationally infamous "Bad Lands" section, Philadelphia has problems. The political focus of the city has been directed to the thriving Center City traditionally with seemingly little or no concern about the non tourist and non commercial areas. There are miles and miles of neighborhoods, especially past north Broad Street, where it seems like there is no love for the city at all. The Mural Arts Program is one of the highlights of the city, and I have been honored to work with them on my Grad Thesis about the emergence of murals in the city born from street graffiti. There is a wave of fashionable hipster immigration to the city in some of the sections near social outlets and universities, many from Pennsylvania suburbs. This is good in one way because having popular neighborhoods attract business, but the downside is that for some it creates a pseudo urban identity crisis with some of the social and cultural snobbery you see in sections of NYC. If you have been to certain art galleries or music events in Philadelphia then you may know what I mean. However there are also a lot of individuals who creatively strive to help, heal, teach, and build up the city and serve its more challenged residents. There is a lof of talent in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has often been described as the most "American City" and to me could also serve as a microcosm of not only the nation, but of the world. It is a city that is a beautiful paradox, a poet's dream, and a haven for those who want to be alone and around others at the same time.

New York City Living in The East VIllage changed my life and the way I experience the creative arts. When I met my wife I began living with her seasonally in New York. Twice in spots in Gramercy and once in an apartment on First Ave, bordering the East Village and the Lower East Side. It was especially when I lived there in the East Village that I began to become more serious and add more depth to my poetry, which benefitted my music and visual art performance as well. Living in New York City is surreal. There is an infinite flow of culture, diversity, and creativity that can be experienced on a daily basis. The ethic food selection in the city alone is an amazing attraction. It is the greatest place in the world in my opinion, and eventually I believe that I will return there permanently.

Dublin This city is the furthest place from where I live that still feels like home. It is filled with an amazing energy and the perfect balance of the modern and traditional. Its history is as great and vast as its reputation, and one of my all time favorite memories is playing live music in Dublin during the famous Musical Pub Crawl. The city has some very relaxing qualities for writers who can engage in the study and practice of their craft amidst the historic company of literary greatness. My impression is that Dublin is only a glimpse of Ireland, biased in that it is an urban area in a primarily rural country. However there is a uniquenss and honesty to the city that is very rare, and for all its architectural, social, anc cultural attractions, it is the vibrancy of the people, and their love of life, that make is such a special place, and reportedly Europe's fastest growing city.