Xtra -Extra Screamed The Headlines Poem by Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

The city fathers were being toasted, urban renewal
would soon take place, pink faced, how they did celebrate.
Grumpy old men were going to do something grand,
Blessings for poor folks moving to the outskirts of Baltimore,
Absolute heaven, how could they ask for more.
Cherry Hill would be the place, project housing about to take place.
Colored folks sure ought to be glad, cement floors could not be all bad.
Up from the ghetto the headlines boasted,
Kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms in separate spaces,
Side walks and green grass, God had heard our prayers