Jenny from the Block

Jennifer Lopez was born in the slums of Lighthalzen. Her parents were poor but they were hardworking and thrifty and this was their only legacy to her. She supplemented her parents' income by selling matchsticks and cigarettes and delivering newspapers to the people of Shiny Brick, a slums term for the richer side of Lighthalzen.

One day, a Biochemist passed by her stall and found himself out-bargained by Jennifer's quick wit and sales charisma. Sensing her potential for greater things, the Biochemist sponsored Jennifer's education. When the time came for her to find her calling in life, she chose to become a Merchant then an Alchemist in honor of her sponsor.

The days turned to months then to years and her parents' legacy of thrift and industry served Jennifer well. Her career brought her fame, wealth and power. Her parents and siblings now live on Shiny Brick, where before they can only watch from the other side of the tracks.

But.... Jennifer felt a deep emptiness and strange longing for her old home in the slums. She attained all that she wished for and much more, but still ....

So she followed the call and went back to see the slums.

The familiar alleyways and streets greeted her. Everything was still the same, the stench, the dirt and trash piled high and worst of all, people with hopeless eyes staring at her. As she turned to her former home in the slums, she saw a Priestess and a teen-aged girl in doorless shack and a long line of people leading through it. As she approached the door to get a closer look, the girl suddenly called her.

"Sister Jenny, is that you", asked the girl she remembered was named Maricel.

And Jennifer finally realized why she had to come back.

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got
I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the block
Used to have a little, now I have a lot
No matter where I go, I know where I came from (from the Bronx!)

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got
I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the block
Used to have a little, now I have a lot
No matter where I go, I know where I came from (from the Bronx!)

It was a long ten years away from home but Maricel had finally finished her studies. There were times that the loneliness of being away from family and friends were almost too much but Miss Jennifer had been a constant source of support in spirit as well in finances.

As she turned the last bend, a large crowd carrying a banner in front of the Pedro and Juanita Lopez Charity Clinic greeted her. It said:

WELCOME HOME REV. MOTHER MARIA CIELO!

And Miss Jenny stood with open arms to welcome her home.


--------------------
Jenny from the Block written by : Jean Claude "Poke" Olivier, Samuel Barnes, Jennifer Lopez, Troy Oliver, Mr. Deyo, Lawrence Parker, Simon Sterlin, Jose Fernando Arbex Miro

Image property of Gravity Co., Ltd.