Black 1930's Harlem; No End

my submission for 1st week MOOC assignment .. still working it ;)https://app.novoed.com/#!/courses/poetry-and-plays-2017/home a free class anyone can join

Black 1930's Harlem; No End

Breath struggles first ....

to last .... the

stoop is high enough to

fall ... I  walk

down 

        down the long block

past the nickel Jitney; 

curb leaning Jitney ... the

disarray of dead soldiers

scattered ...

leaves a head balled up ...

Ya'know?

Sidewalk cracks .........

Long and 

              long and .................long time!

Enough to hide the fear.

Black ..............

cracks .................cracked crackers

Crack Head ....              

in the sidewalk; not to step on,

not to break momma's back, I 

tip toe like a hoofer

tap tap around the

corner

out of sight where everything is Jake

everything is jake.

alone and balled up; i'm

just scattered dead soldiers

around the block.

posted first on 07/22/2017

revision 07/25/2017

E.

Author's Note

slang used can be googled ..jitney, dead soldier, balled up, jake and hoofer

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Stunning, stunning, stunning! The form, cadence, rhythm, language- the musicality of this poem is stellar. "Dead soldiers"- empty wine/liquor bottles littering stoops, sidewalks and streets- I know them well. Stepping over passed-out bodies of men and women on steps and in alcoves- I know that too. I was born in East Harlem and wrote lyrics for songs performed by artists,such as Patti LaBelle, at Harlem's Apollo Theatre in the 80s. Spent the rest of my life "uptown" in the Bronx, but the Harlem connection is strong. Thank you for bittersweet memories and this wonderful poem my friend.

[Einstein Noodle]

wow! what an experience you have Ms. Annette! yes and yes and yes this is the picture i was striving to present ..as well as all those feelings .. i am so happy that you read this one ..having been there and reacting as you have ...there is no better thing one could hope for in a poem ..so glad you found this one ..so appreciate the time you took to share your review .. thank you

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are very welcome E. I am honored to read your work and be able to review it! :)

[Ken Simm.]

These words seem to fit the mood and the time so well. I find myself transported. And yet there is a relvance for the now as well. Excellent piece.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ..so happy you also see the relevance today ..and not just for Harlem but too many of our cities and villages .. thanks for stopping by Ken ..always a treat to have your input
E.

[Paul Bell]

Great video. You always think of the 30s as the depression time. But i suppose it was also the jazz time. In a way, it is probably more relevant now than ever. Like the buzz words through the poem.
You must have had fun doing this one.

[Einstein Noodle]

hey! thanks Paul .. yes i did enjoy the process and Harlem is a wealth of inspiration of all sorts ..i collaborated with I Have a Voice on another one about Harlem a while back if you care to check it out ;) and thank you so much for reviewing this one .. glad you enjoyed
E.
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/green444/1335087/