Presenting an examination and celebration of what life in the ’hood has to offer, Le Turf takes dreamers and realists alike on a walk through the reality of the lives of many.
The verses of poet Hilda L. McMullins reflect on growing up and the wisdom gained with age. They offer an innocent view of life and death—through the good times of “Back in the 3rd Grade” and the outraged maturity of “What Seems to Be the Problem, Officer?” These poems offer shared hope and shared anger, reminding us that all individuals are just that—individual. They communicate the idea that we are neighbors who are human and hurting, and they celebrate our various heritages and strengths. Perhaps through these concepts, we can learn to disconnect from the noise of the world and get back to shaking each other’s hands and looking one another in the eye—before it’s too late.
On the Street
He stopped her on the streetNot to ask directionsHe stopped her on the street
His car blocked her way
With groceries in her arms andRoyalty in her eyesHe stopped my mother on the street