Neighborhood Elegy
There is now, and there is then
white washed woodwork
beauty, green, sky clear
hard working, hometown folks
a good buy.
Die or lie dormant today
cinders to sadness
pockets of politeness placed
particularly on purpose.
drug and drop heaven.
Night footsteps from the old orphan asylum
down the Rayner Ave hill
memories live in floors and darkness
the moon dreams of a parentless son born
to the sound of cobblestone streets
where youth lives in nursing home
dreams.
White crisp dresses
and salads drained from the duodenum
shelter the hopeless.
Alone you stand
amidst the gunshots and sirens
quiet heart within,
creaking floors from the weight of
vapor people.
Children of the golden age,
nursed their atomic nightmares
hugging close to the cold wall
wondering if home is still there
waiting for the bright flash,
crouching low.
So many sneakers, loafers, saddles,
crossed your shellacked stages
to life.
You were our first love,
skipping in sunlight to summer play
smelling the passion of spring
growing in the mid-Atlantic night became
your elegy.
3/20/17
The Journey of a Diamond Ring
By Elton Camp
The jewelry clerk couldn’t believe his eyes
The shopper’s action was such a surprise
The five-carat sparkler had great appeal
So much that a thief would love to steal
But that seemed too risky to even try
For an armed guard was standing by
Suddenly, hand to mouth he applied
“Stop that!” the clerk loudly cried
Just one gulp and the deed was done
The shopper turned and tried to run
But the robbery proved to be in vain
It was off to jail where he did remain
Although the fact the store did detest
Through his guts the ring progressed
Duodenum, jejunum and ileum too
At the colon and soon it was through
The ring was then returned to the store
Looking just as nice as it had before
However, a buyer proved hard to find
Because of its journey, so unrefined