Harlem Summer
Summer program teach writing reading
seniors 70’s 80’s born in south
worked cotton fields migrate north
army of maids janitors raise families
work hard eager to write spell their names
eyes wide open let themselves out me in
they call me baby honey sugar sweetie
serious determined grateful
smile laugh clap their hands
spell out loud birth smiles laughter
love to tell jokes
single men rare women plentiful
flirt bake homemade cakes pies cookies
daily fashion show
graduation day family members present
every one wear Sunday best
whirlwind of colorful dresses
handsome men wear suits
family friends celebrate
sing tell childhood stories
bow heads say prayer
moment of silence those departed
ask who knows how to read write
response We do We do
memories present hold hands
Lift Every Voice and Sing
tears slide down our cheeks
happy cheers bear hugs cheers happy hugs
ask who knows how to read write
chorus respond We do! We do!
Wordless Warrior
Fighting was her calling card
one she proudly claimed
tough dare on two feet
foul mouth hand gestures
sweet sixteen smile detoured
eyes hunt for prey
flash “don’t mess with me”
Poster Boy
Twelve-year-old boy soldier was asked
what he missed the most after he was rescued
He said When I had a gun I never had to worry about food
Sweet faced boy with a green bandanna
Hair in his face shield eyes
His fingers clutch ice cream cone
Pistachio. A strawberry on top
AK 47 leans into him
He leans into camera
The ice cream melting
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