POETRY

Why Don’t We Talk Anymore?

Progress is relative.

Photo: Luca Bravo on ISO Republic

double-dutch on the school playground
running in a downpour, passing the soap
red-light green-light, 1..2..3
learning to dance salsa with my cousin
…in his Bronx apartment

I miss the innocence of my childhood

brown paper bag lunches
field trips far from the classroom
laughter at recess, and handball
…in the park

I miss the world I used to know

dial-up telephones
with no call waiting
where real conversations
meant talking to someone
…on the other end

I miss the old days

when neighbors were friends
and every adult on the block
was held responsible for all
of the children in the neighborhood
and when kids knew what respect & responsibility meant

I miss a kinder planet

where folks smile more often
and are more giving…without any expectation
of a…