This ghetto lullaby I hear is like none
commonly heard outside hoods like
mine
Missing it makes sleep nonexistent
A sad thing I know me not hearing
shots
Assuming no one I know is hurt
praying anyway for those that may be
Slumber evades me
Shots yelling screaming pounding
feet sirens lights squealing tires
These things make up this ghetto
lullaby
Peace quiet deafen me compared to
this chaotic comfort
This lullaby of ghettos is unlikely to
be heard in communities set apart
from mine
Clangorous music drunk people
trying to dance some stumbling falling
Folks loud talking cussing each other
out smoking drinking partying all
night long
Dominoes slam against a table
somewhere (Yeah....)
Dice click-click across linoleum wood
concrete floors against a wall (Dang!
Snake eyes!)
Amidst all this commotion little kids
fight a baby cries
But players keep playing drinkers
keep drinking
After school all day far into night
We all hang out on porches stoops
patios corners streets
Come 10 o'clock some of us return to
our respective homes
With calls to return I hit the phones
Bridges Dede JB Mr. Drama Queen
When all is said and done 2 am
arrives
I now lie quietly in bed alongside my
window awaiting my nightly lullaby
2:15, 2:30 approaches I hear it
People yelling shots ringing out more
screaming feet pounding concrete
Wailing sirens squealing tires
flashing lights
Upon hearing this I listen a bit longer
send up a prayer
Then finally find respite in the arms
of Morpheus for tomorrow is a new
day
Sun will rise again another ghetto
lullaby will be heard in the night
-Miss Water Poet 69
