As the sun rose this morning
Sounds of stray dogs barking
Coming from the street or alley ways below
Distracted me for a moment
Children it's time to get up
Wake up from your deep sleep
Or dreams of a new life and prosperity
I peek through the cracked windowpanes
But not able to see
Beyond the steel gates locked for security
To keep out the criminals
Who would dare to try on a dark night
I call to my two children again
As personal yearnings flow through my body and mind
Oh I wish their father was here
Our lives and needs would have a new direction
Debating choices if he should go
Now never will he return
Lord I miss him so

Adapted from book of poems Looking at Ourselves
© 2004 by T. Duffy Afro Staff Writer

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