I spent last winter
behind a taped-up shutter
I added some caulking
to keep the wind from howling
My tiny efficient with bathroom and sink
cost $500 this month, $50 more the next
Breaking my back trying to pay this rent
for a dwelling I can't bring friends
over to visit
I applied for a loan to purchase
a two-bedroom home
That set outside the ghetto
Somewhere in the suburb
But, I was unqualified in the agent's eyes
My income was too low for the $500 or so
Deposit and rent
"Two months in advance," she said
I make $13 an hour and work forty or more
That's $2,000 a month, $1500 for take home
Instead of looking up from my yard and
seeing blue skies
Now, I spend extra cash to keep out
horseflies
All because my $1500 was no good
Or maybe it's because I'm black and
forced to live in a hood
Author notes
One way white America controlled African-Americans was to bunch them together. Black couples were denied housing loans to relocate. Realtors played the racism angle and only offered homes in low-income and crime-ridden neighborhoods. The evil practics has gone on despite federal regulations to prevent it.
A contest entry
- We Hold These Truths. by CountryCousin.
900 points, ended May 5, 2008, 13 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Yet again you amaze me with your talent. You manage to give weight to a point with such dignity and aplomb. I am your fan forever!
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This is the perfect.
This is the perfect example of inequality that befalls us. I also get deeply upset that when Nascar comes to Richmond, the people who are living in the motels who were displaced because of flooding have to move out. Shame on the motel owners. -
Sad.
That is one thing that I am glad Habitat For Humanity does, in that it builds homes on sweat equity and they are nice ones. I think this is the state of affairs for poor people, not necessarily black. It is a shame, it took us ten years to get our home. I know the feeling. But perhaps check into Habitat For Humanity, you will be glad you did. But I do pray you find something better, we all want that my friend.
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Well
as an africian american I can identify with
the frustrations in your poem. Many non
african american can't relate to this kind
of ranting. I wish the world were able to see
through our eyes for at least a month. Maybe
then you nor I would have to experience such
tragadies that belitte the life of human beings.
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Life is certainly not fair to those who are in the poorer end of the scale; and also racism is still rampant in mnay places. Some will always feel superior, no matter what their color, race or creed. They will aways want to contorl, to have power over others. Liked the way you wrote about this in these lines. Interesting title and good examples used in this poem. Sentiments well expressed in these lines; good flow.
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