What first attracted me to the poem was the last line about the wildflower. It instantly created a distinct visual in my head, so that was my starting point. I wanted to incorporate one of Syracuse's major highways, 81, which is a popular topic of discussion in the city night now. To me, 81 is the first indication that Syracuse is close when I make the long drive to school gym home. However, I didn't want my piece to only be about the school; I wanted it to be about the city and its residents.

The Rose and the Eastern Bluebird are New York's state flower and bird. Which Roses symbolize rebirth while the bluebird is coincidentally blue and orange, Syracuse University school colors.