On the Poor Side
Blankets hang over cracks in door.
Kerosene Aroma
Cold, winter morn'
Mama at the stove cookin' up grits.
Makin' little go far.
No help from Dad.
No gas. Broken down car.
Wearing the same old shoes
again this year.
Kids at school
Cruel, backstabbing halls
Seem long today.
On the Poor Side
Eating Pintos and cornbread
for supper.
Mama going to go hungry tonight
to feed her young.
Face lined with worry.
Face Lined with fear.
Saturday Afternoon
We listen to fortyfives and clean house.
Johnny Rotten sings
God Save the Queen.
Exchange hopes and dreams of better lives
Dreams don't cost a thing.
Brother's out playin' football
with neighborhood kids
I stay inside and read
Handed down comics
and watch Godzilla.
Keeping to myself.
How much are a cans worth now?
I found these on the road side.
Fifty cents?
A quarter?
Been collecting all summer.
Clothes come from yard sales
and thrift stores.
Maybe some new shoes for Christmas?
Mama tries hard, I know..
Keeps us in shelter
and keeps us fed.
At Night,
I can hear her pray
Keeping faith in God.
Had to walk to work today.
Saw her from bus window
on the way
to school.
I'm proud of her.
A kid laughs. Teases.
I stand up and punch him in the face
Nose blood squirts.
A week suspended.
Mama is mad.
Wet cheeks, I explain.
She smiles at me
and says "it's ok"
"But sometimes you gotta let it go."
"gotta be the better man"
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