CREATING SPACE
Poem by Rhea Carmon, Knoxville Poet Laureate 2020-2023
Between people
Between breaths
To learn yourself
To be free
For tears and sadness
For creativity and joy
For community and family
We gather in these spaces crafted by those willing to
Inspire our emotions and provide vision for our next phase
We find places to commune
In buildings crafted for our congregating
Or parks maintained for our recreation
There is constant creation happening to open our hearts and minds
To receive the gift of togetherness
With precision and dedication we are building
Crafting our story of exceptional truth
Recognizing the need for each others talents and contributions
And watching in anticipation of each success
Each moment of achievement a new stepping stone in the right direction
Throwing open the doors to welcome change and growth
Understanding and acceptance
This space is one that we share
Without barriers we teach one another the beauty in our difference
From festivals filling out streets with the diversity to make us see
The power in appreciating one another
To garden spaces, beer markets, parks and book stores
We rise from the Bottom to the Sunsphere
Across the lakes and rivers
Honoring each other for the willingness to
Share passion and creativity
Culture and Adventure
We have a long way to travel but together we can
Make space to walk side by side
Provide a glimpse of the future for our youth
Be catalyst for change in a world that needs to see our ability
To be open and honest
We honor each other for dedication and love to the cause
Of making our city great
Creating space for dreams to become reality
In this city, the Makers City, Knoxville.
Poem ready by Rhea Carmon at Mayor Kincannon's State of the City Address on April 26, 2023