Streets of Houston (ghetto life)

Streets of Houston

I

There was a woman struggling on her own,

who birthed one night a son with eyes sky blue.

His hair was soft and gleamed a golden tone,

on her soft lips a smile ~ in her heart too.

His sleeper PJs had a button flap,

with booties soft that kept young toes so warmed,

and comfort of a loving mother's lap ...

unto her breast his mouth was gently formed.

Came toys and playthings, a young boy adores

that one day helps to make the man he'll be ...

all kept with pride, stacked neatly into draw'rs,

aligned, just like a toy-land's bright marquee;

and, so it was, began this toddler's life,

with his sweet mother, an abandoned wife.

II

With his sweet mother, an abandoned wife,

his years progressed until a boy emerged.

The ghetto streets were mean that formed his life,

where future plans from worldly woes converged

and taught such lessons all young men should learn;

of how to walk through fear, yet fear no one;

to fight a better fistfight with each turn,

then be the fastest to escape and run.

Was learned man's law, and hard laws from the street,

as each one to its own was justice born,

and where the dreams of love and life ne'er meet,

except that justice was revenge so sworn.

Morality, a lesson mothers taught ...

in those mean streets there are no morals wrought.

III

In those mean streets there are no morals wrought,

lest save the ones that twist and snare the soul.

It's sad that boys and girls become distraught

before their life allows them to be whole.

There were no freeways built yet in those days;

though, there were certain aspects (looking back),

which made the world, by far, a better place;

we used no dope and never heard of crack.

The doors were kept unlocked ... kids came and went,

and never was there fear from an adult

of stepping out of line with sharp intent;

because, they knew with kids, the sharp result

could be a fatal dose of recompense ...

not one adult adopted lack of sense.

IV

Not one adult adopted lack of sense;

tho, we were loners, we could act as one,

and not one would, commit such an offense

that made their life and world come all undone.

It's in this way the unsure balance kept

what made survival possible at all;

for, though, the many children I've known wept,

there's no revenge unsettled, I recall.

Thus, is such justice in my ghetto home,

and though I'd change no single day for me,

I'm glad the man in me set out to roam.

From all I've learned I'd set the young ones free,

but they're too locked-in by the hands of fate.

Bless all of them before it is too late.

V

Bless all of them before it is too late.

I've done most all that I can think to do,

but never shall I stop or hesitate

in giving everything while I pursue

a better way to reach and inspire hope,

'til every girl and boy has heard my prayers,

and every mother that's been left to cope

knows that there's someone left who really cares.

Sure, this I know, is trite and filled with dread,

that seldom anyone considers them;

for, I have all too often heard it said,

"Lost kids are better left to serve life's whim."

When I hear this, my heart begins to weep ...

I know the walls they'll have to climb are steep.

VI

I know the walls they'll have to climb are steep,

and odds are but a few survive their fall;

one thing I know for sure is they must keep

on clinging to the ladder, one and all.

Come on, each one, up to the top ascend ...

then, proud and tall, descend the other side!

What choices left them, other than pretend,

and sink into the shadow's deep deride.

Oh, please, hear well and learn with hopeful mind;

then, promise to shed veils of dark dismay.

Remember, those who persevered and find,

also, for you there always is a way.

I know the odds seem you will fall and lose ...

if you don't try, you'll have no chance to choose.

VII

If you don't try, you'll have no chance to choose;

sit idle by, upon your doubtful hands,

still moping, simmer in your self-stirred stews,

surrender NOT to poverty's demands!

So many from my youth have passed along,

and many more live in a prison cell.

I tell you now to sing a diff'rent song,

or ever life will be a living hell.

No better I'm than any of you there;

although, I may be better off, it's true ...

it's all because, I've learned how to prepare,

and high above that wall to life I flew.

When you see her, tell her she's not alone ...

there "was" a woman struggling on her own!

Richard W. Jenkins

   © 22 May 2010

Authors Comments      

A few individuals that made it out of Houston's Northside Ghettoes:

Red Adair...Oilwell Firefighter, Roger Clemens...Baseball Player

Rodney Crowell...Country Singer, Jimmy Demaret...Pro Golfer

George Foreman...Boxer, A.J. Foyt...Race Car Driver

Mark Calaway...Pro Wrestler, Walter Cronkite...Broadcast Journalist

Geto Boys...Rap Group, Lisa Hartman...Actress

Howard Hughes...Oil Entrepreneur, Phylicia Rashad...Actress

Beyoncé Knowles...Pop Singer, David Koresh...Infamous Cult Leader

Mickey Leland...Anti-Poverty Activist, Barbara Mandrell...Country Singer

Jerry Newberry...Country Singer, John Osteen...Pastor

Annette O'Tool...Actress, Richard Jenkins...Poet, Master Martial Artist

Kenny Rogers...Country Singer, Jaclyn Smith...Actress

Patrick Swayze...Actor, B.J. Thomas...Pop Singer

Tommy Tune...Actor, JoBeth Williams...Actress

Barbara Jordan...Politician

Crown Of Sonnets     

A Crown of Sonnets is a seven-sonnet sequence with a single theme, usually addressed to someone.

Each Sonnet concentrates on a single aspect of the theme, with the link to the preceding AND succeeding Sonnets,

being that the final line of each Sonnet becomes the first line of the next one.

To tie them all up in a bow, the first line of the first Sonnet is repeated once again as the last line of the final Sonnet.

Each sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, in the English style.

Author's Note

Though, this is not a form for the novice, I would be proud to read anyone's who gives it a try.

Constructive critique is always welcome! : )

Reviews

[William Michael Reeves]

Wow! At first I thought this might be autobiographical. I feel like the last sonnet then clarified that you were writing of all mothers who have sons struggling with the human condition. Then your notes really clarify the subject. And what a deep subject to write about. If only a mother could have the same power of a peer.

Thought there might be a Petrarchan Sonnet in this. I've written a few Garland and Crown of Cinquain, but this Crown of sonnets is new to me. I'm interested. I just wrote two more 'Rock' sonnets to make a trio of them. Four more and I have a Crown. Thanks.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Bill 🙏

For taking your time to spend reading and commenting on this rather mammoth composition.
It is an autographical piece, taken from the atmosphere, occurrences, neighborhood/people, lifestyle, facts, and emotion of my own upbringing: Note the list of those who've made it out of Houston's ghettoes.
In considering your own Crown of Sonnets, pay particular attention to the Crown of Sonnets details after Author's Comments.

One day to come, I'll look forward to your Crown of Sonnets.
A lovely weekend to you, My Astute Protégé! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Richard🖌]

I meant "an 'autobiographical' piece".

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Streets of Houstin'
Richard,
This was very revealing of how life can be and is for many. I can appreciate how you gave a voice to these many. It is meaningful as you begin on a personal note in the life of one mama and her experience. This is the beginning of the brave abandoned mamas and speaks to what it is like to remember being poor. I really appreciated your story style with a lilting flow using last line to first line of following stanza. It does help keep the reader connected. It was so beautiful. Finally this is a story saying look around and see others and not only ourselves.
Bless you.
Kathy

[Richard🖌]

Thank you most gratefully, Dear Kathy🌱

There's always a smile on my face that drifts into my heart each time I see you've read one of my poems, because there's no doubt you're going to not only grasp the true essence in meaning of my words, but the depths my emotions that took my pen to task when writing them.
This is a rather lengthy work, but that hasn't ever seemed to discourage you in the least … so far.

My warmest gratitude to you, Lady-Poet, for being such a lovely friend these years long … a bushel basket of hugs for thee! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Richard
this was a beauty to read because life is not in material things but in others and simplicity. So many desires people have can and do become stumbling blocks and chains constricting.
Keep it up you are an inspiration.
Kathy

[Sarah K Cass]

How very thought provoking and reminds me of a life which feels a 100 years ago! Life teaches us many lessons and it's sad that some do not escape, or indeed survive. I could rattle on! But, I enjoyed reading this (several times). I felt the warmth and comfort of a mother's love for her baby, I felt the learning of a tough environment and I felt the determination to aspire and the sadness for those who don't.
Thank you, Richard, for this intimate and enlightening piece 💋

[Richard🖌]

Well, my goodness, Sessy! 🌺
What a wonderful surprise that you not only found this monster of a poem, but that you actually read and reviewed it for me … you are, indeed, a truly thoughtful poetess of quality and generosity, and you read it "several times". I'm gobsmacked!!!
How very correct you are; it is another world away, a very sad, abusive place to grow-up IN and get away FROM … and, as you feel, sooo long ago.
From your meaningly shared words, I am assured you've understood the core essence of this mini-bio in poetic expression.

Thank you, Sessy, from my heart … warmest, most grateful hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Sarah K Cass]

How could I not read this and several times? I Identify with what you're saying. It resonated and made me think of my own growing up experiences. That's what I mesnt by a life 100 years ago. Battle scars, survival and strength.

[Richard🖌]

Finally,
You got through to me … I understand. : )

[Sarah K Cass]

More than anything, I appreciated the complexity. My identification with where this came from was secondary. I might not have conveyed that.

[Einstein Noodle]

first off...what an admirable challenge you gave yourself .. second .. the story and theme is well told, easy to follow and i love the redemptive quality that goals and perseverance yield as in this set of sonnets .. pics add dimension and personal touch .. are you in the tip pic?? are those your dogs and i assume your home? .. is that someone sitting on the back porch???
the last line/first line works like a pantoum of sorts ..i think it does a great job of strengthening the connections .. never heard of a Crown of Sonnets ;} so thank you for that sir! i must be honest tho...i will not try more than one sonnet at a time... if that ... ties me noodle up in nerve bundles just thinking of it :)))))))))))))))
E.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you immensely, Gene 😊
I am surprised, but pleasantly so, you accepted my invitation to read and review this mammoth piece. I've tried to steer several here when asking about my youth and upbringing, each of whom declined by simply never showing-up.
Definitely, this form is a true challenge, one of which I've written only three in my entire poetical career … It's not my favorite to take-on.
Anytime you'd like to learn the English Sonnet, just say the word; I'd love to teach it to you, My Friend. With your skill and flexibility, I know you'd master it in no time. : )
Those kids are long after my time, Gene, they have contemporary tennis shoes, good clothes, and a skateboard, but are a good example of today's ghetto kids. Though, the house is not mine, it is in my neighborhood, and a bit nicer. The dogs always chased bikes and would bite. The porch is in front, and I can't tell if that's someone or something on it.

I really appreciate you sharing my poem story … thank you ever-so gratefully.
Many blessings, Dear Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Einstein Noodle]

i think i have an English Sonnet somewhere here at the Cafe' ...found it: http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rIGt2mAk3/2073533/?&p=2
i will absolutely take you up on the help if ever i get some crazy thought to do another .... i know i have an Italian Sonnet here as well ...

[Richard🖌]

Ahhh!
So, you, indeed, have, and an encouraging cowrite effort it is … quite the accomplishment.
A message is on its way, My Friend … thank you so much for sharing. : )

[Einstein Noodle]

:) .................

[GreenShoes]

Oh. My. Gosh. This was Ambitious with a capital A!

Writing just ONE sonnet is grueling for me; this is really very impressive. Amazing!

Only three reviews? That's a shame. This is a powerful story of hard life for children and adolescents in the ghetto, and the strong will and determination required to climb out of it, as told by someone who has done so. Your encouraging advice to these kids was a positive way to complete this Crown. I hope they get to read it.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Karen,
Thanks so very warmly and appreciatively for taking this one on, and most certainly for grasping the value and essence that prompted me to compose it.

You've a lovely, understanding, pure heart of gold ✨ bless you ever-so warmly and sincerely! ⁓ Richard

[barleygirl]

You have certainly done the crown of sonnets justice, in the crafting of your words & message. To me, this is clearly stated & flowing logically thru each selected theme within a theme. I hesitate to point out any weaknesses, becuz the mere effort of fitting your message into this exactly & demanding form is an accomplishment few poets would even attempt. So you deserve high accolades for this amazing feat. Thanks for directing my attention here, so I could admire your amazing poetic abilities.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Lovely Margie! : )
I am elated you've taken the time and effort to read (and review) this virtual journey of a poem; I'm pleasantly surprised, too … thank you most gratefully, M'Lady.
Once upon a time, from the dozen (or, so) poetry sites I've served on, there was but one wonderful genuine teaching site among them. On this site one there was a list containing 175 poetic forms, and one of the requirements to retain a free membership was to correctly compose at least one poem in each form within a year; failing that, one would be required to buy a membership if they wished to remain a member. The Crown Of Sonnets was one of those forms that seemed to best fit the idea of my mini-auto bio, and this was my example of the form. I actually composed two more poems in this form, and that was IT for me … LOL!
I am truly grateful for your accolades, Margie, and very happy you actually cared enough to read about me. That you've expressed admiration for my poetic abilities is wonderfully gratifyingly sweet of you, too, but my motive in steering you to this one is so you'd know the truth about my upbringing, to know me a bit better.
Your review is wonderful, Margie
Thank you sincerely and gratefully for your always appreciated attention … big hugs to you! ⁓ Richard

[usman]

very well written sir,..the message of the poen.is straight forward

but in the secind stanza,you said,to walkh through fear and fear no one,..from my little knowlegdw of the ghetto,fear is out of the dictionary.. or maybe i dont get the clear mesaage there.

thank you sir

[Richard🖌]

Goodness, Usman!
I must has fallen asleep to miss your compliment and truly attentive commentary to this marathon piece of poetry, My Friend … I humbly apologize for taking so long to respond.
In addressing that "fear" verse: The intent was to emphasize that, though, there was more than ample reason for fear, to survive in that environment, one must conquer/overcome their fear and walk bravely through it all.
Usman, you are most welcome, and it is I who thank you … ever-so humbly! ⁓ Richard

[usman]

thank you sir..
can you help review some of my poems.
thanks

[Richard🖌]

Of course, Usman,
That is part of my plan today … thank you for asking, My Friend! ⁓ Richard

[emmajoy]

I care enough about your poem to come back and read it again.. the form is more than fine.. it's the tale within it i can't dash through at the moment.

Tis sad but full to the brim of lessons learned; the added notes at the end prove your point about having or rather finding, the strength to get through and survive. So many do.

[Richard🖌]

Em,
What can I say?
You so deeply honor me and elate my senses by your caring attention, that I'm surprised to near silence — difficult as that may be to believe. : )
For awhile, the site quit notifying me of reviews, comments, and messages. It would appear your review was conducted during that period, and I am truly sorry to have not read and commented on your review until now, M'Dear … please, forgive* 🙄
You have more than blessed me with your praise and understanding.
I hug your wonderfully beautiful heart with deepest appreciation … thank you for taking this one on, Dear Em, and for leaving your special touch! ⁓ Richard