Memories Of My Bronx Poem by louis rams

MY BRONX

I got out of the Bronx, but the Bronx didn't get out of me
It is someplace that I always wanted to be.
In the fifties when rock and roll began
Many youngsters were taken a stand.
Groups were popping up everywhere and the
Music from the houses you could hear.
We danced to the music on the streets and
People going by we would greet and respect
Was shown to the elderly then and all our
Neighbors, we called our friends.
Once our homework had been done
We went out to the streets to have some fun.
Pitching pennies, skelzies, Johnnie on the pony
And so much more till our mothers called us
From the windows or the building door.
Summertimes was so great - we had tar beach
Or the fire escape.
If we couldn't go to Crotona pool, a wrench on the fire hydrant was the tool.
With a can opened at both ends, we hosed down family and friends
This is the Bronx that I knew and the memories so vivid and true.