When the Humps Are Gone from Jericho Center

 When the Humps Are Gone

Slow, Slow, Slow

The center cried out—

for those in the center

still cared for safety

all throughout.

For years, the plea

fell into silence,

while more and more

sped through with defiance.

"Nothing will change.

No point in trying.

You can't stop the tide.

No one is caring."

Yet the center stayed kind,

welcoming those just passing through.

"Please—respect what we protect,

this life we’ve built, this quiet view."

But many drove blind,

no thought, no clue.

Voices rose

as walkers faded,

and bikes stood still—

hope nearly jaded.

But murmurs grew,

and momentum shifted—

The tide, at last,

ever so slightly, lifted.

Costs debated,

choices weighed—

a humble hope:

Let the humps be laid.

"Outrageous!" some cried,

"An answer!" others cheered.

Letters poured in,

until the voices filled a tome.

Now comes the test—

when watchers sleep,

when eyes are gone,

and silence creeps.

Do drivers drive safely

when roads look like a raceway?

Will wheels slow down

without a reminder?

We’ll learn the truth

when the bumps are through—

Did we plant care,

or just pass through?

Come mid-September

Will we remember

The time traffic slowed

and life in the center glowed.

Let’s see how the cookie crumbles

when nothing stands in the way.

Let’s see if respect and caring,

this time, might stay.

 “ChatGPT” assisted in the final writing of this poem  - incorporated text produced by ChatGPT, 9/14/2025.