Unshackled Poem by Kevin Moore

Concrete and steel on all compressing,
Impassive stares on soul depressing,
A caustic dark sunlight repressing:
Welcome to Baltimore.

Pre-packaged death back corner dealing,
Addicts enslaved in alleys reeling,
Splintered sunlight, starkly shot ceiling:
Welcome to Baltimore.

Empty bellies breed abandoned cries,
Acrid sulfur lingers while hope dies,
Promises believed proved empty lies:
Welcome to Baltimore.

Still- steady, certain sunlight warms on,
Casting dark aside approaching dawn,
Caressing hope into visage wan:
Welcome to Baltimore.

Now- day on dappled Harbor dancing,
Hope, renewed, in raised eyes prancing,
Beliefs forgotten promise chancing,
Welcome to Baltimore!

Concrete and steel the heart arresting,
Daybreak embraced without protesting,
Full hearts and bellies night divesting:
Unshackled Baltimore.