Dear Grand Circus,

I really like you – so much, in fact, that I wrote you this poem. Hope you like it.

 —–

Way up there on Woodward, by Grand Circus park

Lives a jolly old building that grows lighter past dark.

It’s a regular building, with windows and doors

It has dips in the ceiling and cracks in the floors.

But there’s something that’s different, it’s something Brand New

There’s a treasure inside it for me and for you.

It’s a movement that’s stirring, that’s paving the way

For a new generation to make a new day.

In a city that’s blooming with start-ups galore

They saw something was missing, Detroit needed more.

So they housed a new startup to teach people how

To prop up the pop ups, to change Detroit now.

They can teach you to program, to code and design

To network, to market, keep finance in line.

The classes, though small, are packed with the skills

To build your own future, stop ‘just paying bills.’

So on Tuesdays and Thursdays from six until nine

I jump on the train, make my way down the line,

Go up to floor three of the Broderick Tower

To learn from Pete Brand about marketing power.

I’m using my lessons to help Puppin’ Around,

A new Detroit start-up that cares for your hound.

As I draw up a strategy to help step up their game,

I can’t help but thinking, maybe I’d do the same?

Maybe I’d start a business of passion and pride

It’s not out of the question with Pete Brand on my side.

Or with a company for start-ups that’s there at my back

With the resources I’d need for my plan of attack.

So hats off to Grand Circus for raising the bar

For a city that may not have gotten so far

As to plan for a workforce that’s skilled and that’s ready

For a new life in Detroit where business is steady.

Where companies know it’s a place to call home

That Detroit is a city for dreamers to roam.

That this place, it is ready for a future with heart,

And thanks to Grand Circus, it’s ready to start.