Does Syracuse Live

Inspiration for this haiku comes from local newspapers. There are always articles celebrating the region's past: early settlement, the Erie Canal, growing trade, industrialization, civil rights contributions, and celebrities. All these and more are proud achievements, even if sometimes rose-tinted. But problems plague Syracuse with the passing of those fondly-remembered days and there are also articles about working toward and building for future industry, education and social progress. About building on or replacing what has passed. It seems every edition of the newspaper reflects Janus, looking both forward and back together. I like that this haiku may be read any of a few different ways and they all seem valid. It's as if there is some underlying dynamic regardless of your perspective. This future/past duality seems contradictory but it also seems power our progress.