Hopelessness still clear in a city renewed

Madam, – It’s a city of contrasts, my city.

A bustling V&A is a jewel in the heart of Dundee and dazzles all who walk by.

This picture, almost perfection, is not however a true reflection of this historical city, famous in the past for so many wonderful achievements and industries.

Move a little further from this beautiful waterfront and this vibrant, colourful, picture of bustling prosperity slowly fades away, and if you listen and look carefully, you will hear the heart of the city cry out. It’s clear to see the hopelessness, the fear, the longing in the eyes of many who live here.

Drugs, alcohol, depression and illness are clear to see.

Despair and loneliness fill the hearts of many weary souls. They call out silently to anyone with time to care, to talk. For them the future is gone, all hope is gone.

Those who stop and listen will hear a sad story told many times over.

There is a desperation that fills the air. But surely there must always be hope, maybe there is and maybe it will come. This is my prayer, a prayer for a city, which must never stop hoping.

But who will listen, who has time to care?

The clock ticks relentlessly, almost cruelly, a reminder that Dundee has no time to waste.

For many time is a luxury they haven’t got, their days will be few.

One precious life after another silently says goodbye.

Have we even noticed? Does it no longer matter?

But there are those whose hearts beat hard for Dundee, for the oppressed, for those whose burden is unbearable; their hands always ready for action.

The need is so great, so vast, an army is required.

Dundee, where is your heart, where is its beat, you who sit majestic and proud with the River Tay as your golden cloak.

You who shout loud your achievements across the globe. Where are you?

The city is crying. Tears are running down its streets, pools of despair, visible only to those who look down, those with eyes to see. Caroline Stewart. 16 Adam Drive, Dundee.