moon over head
the streets of the barrio
cracked side walks
and loud music
construing
the eager young mind,
he was about nine.

El barrio, I write to you
an open notebook I fill
of memories
black and blue.

El barrio, you didn't
think i'd make it.
for only the forsaken
make it.

El barrio,
my neighborhood
flooded with dreams
of other places
names
without faces.

life
and all else
you will find
between these city walls.