My Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess {DTES}

I live in the Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess and I must confess, 

That it's the best, and it beats the rest,

The Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess

Now you might think I jest, because everyone else thinks it's a mess,

But they know it less, and I tell you yes, it's the best,

It's the Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess

So if you're ever way out west, come here and give it a test,

You can be my guest,  and you'll see I didn't jest, and yes

It's my Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess

Piss and shit in the alleys, garbage all over the street,

Drugs and prostitution, the pictures not complete,

Under it all and behind the scenes are the people you don't meet,

Life and beauty flourishes here, in the downtown east side streets.

Now you might think I'm a pest, talking up the Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess,

But I can't do any less, won't remain powerless, because it's the best,

It's my Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess.

So don't give me your prettiness, just come down and be impressed,

Let me guide you through, the best of the mess, and be blessed,

In my Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess.

One more note before I rest, a little thing that I must confess,

I love my Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess, love it better than all the rest,

It's my Dee, Tee, Eee, Ess

Piss and shit in the alleys, garbage all over the street,

Drugs and prostitution, the pictures not complete,

Under it all and behind the scenes are the people you don't meet,

Life and beauty flourishes here, in the downtown east side streets!

by Raymie                                                       

Raymie is a participant in Megaphone’s community writing workshop program.

Photo by Justin Langille