Crickets in Englewood*

The crickets crick in the
Bright of day in Englewood, IL.
Englewood - Southside of Chicago,
Not even the insects are safe to
Sing their songs at night without fear there -
Fear of a drive-by... maybe of
Pesticides or suicides in the
Ramshackle condemned high rise
Where hopes were high and raised
Just like the wrecking ball that blew
A hole through the whole community
Wreaking a black hole that has
Sucked out the good times of black life on
The blocks between 63rd and 70th,
East and West of the Dan Ryan -
Who keeps cryin' to keep his babies
Safe - well, keep them off the streets and
Away from the crickets before they
Crick and chirp their tales of woe to
Another forlorn soul on the corner
Waiting for the black hole to close
But not another shop, house or school
Just the budget deficit in the 'hood
Where blight is the only sight that
The children see and know and play
With and amongst as their only precious
Prize possessions and toys - they know
No difference... that crickets are
Supposed to crick at night not in the
Light of day that has exposed a lot of
What's not and never will be on
The Southside of Chicago.