University Where's That

University of Chicago? where’s that? Black/White America There are two Americas A black and white America A mostly white middle-class, and upper class America And a mostly black and brown lower-class America. It has been this way Since the beginning. Most white Americans Do not see the other America, Almost invisible to them. Most of the other America Barely notices Middle-class America All around them. This was vividly driven home To me Back in 1977. I had gone to Chicago To visit a friend At the University of Chicago. I made the mistake of taking the L train back to the University the L station was in Woodlawn five long dangerous dark blocks away I was the only white dude on the train and street. but in a whole different universe. the University of Chicago stop is on the private commuter line. Getting off, I asked five random people Where was the University of Chicago? The University of Chicago was One of the most famous, prestigious universities In the whole world. But to the residents Of the urban nightmare slum, That was Woodlawn back then, The university could have been The other side of the moon for no one knew exactly where it was. Now I hear It is a student and faculty housing Neighborhood Newly trending. With most of the old residences Long ago forced out Due to ever-rising rents And property taxes As the University of Chicago Spreads out colonizing The nearby neighborhoods. Most said University. before pointing out, it is over there somewhere. They were nice enough But wondering How this strange white boy Got lost In their hood. I am lucky I was not mugged , for my ignorance. Just wrong place, wrong time Sort of thing after all A place where white boys Feared to go. Of course, back then, I was a 6 2 230 pound white dude, with wild crazed eyes behind my glasses I could be mobbed up Or someone important Or the child of someone powerful. I just gave off that vibe I supposed. So, no one wanted to mess with me. When I got back, Everyone was amazed that I had survived the five-block walk after dark. Truth be told That was a scary walk after dark. With lots of scary-looking dudes With violence in their dark dead eyes looking at me. I said it was not too bad But did not take the L train again. During my trip to Chicago. In the summer of 1977.