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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 10, 2018)
Street Roots • Aug. 10-16, 2018 J*Walker by Brandon M. * If I look all ways and no one’s coming I’m crossing that street this world don’t own me. If I see a cop I’ll surely think thrice But I may do it still if the conviction is rig h t Though if children are present I’ll be patient and still Wait upon that silver man with awareness and will. But I cant let those cars have so much advantage over me I got things to do too and it takes longer you see. But I ain’t polluting as much running on blood not gasoline But if you have family or responsibilities then that’s totally cool with me. Cause I bet you hate sitting in those damn traffic jams So if I ain’t pressed for time I’ll probably let you go ahead. For in the future who knows I may be driving again too Though I’ll still walk sometimes just to take in the view. But the buses have been great I’ve learned all sorts of things Talking sometimes but mostly listening. Still I’ll always be a J*Walker at least a little at heart having lived a poor iconoclast or as one who stumbled at the start. Though if I find that girl called ‘Heaven’ or attain important rank If I see the police I’ll likely suck it up and wait. But to be perfectly honest I’m mostly doing it now With two wonderful cats at home and a wretched life to turn round. Street Poetry Page 13 Rooms of Mine by Eileen Vizenor Memories of my first rooms were when I was very young. They were safe and warm. Sharing with my mom at times when scared. As I grew into adulthood, my rooms changed over the years. Abuse, self-destruction and mayhem encroached into my rooms. These rooms made me the strong, independent woman I am today. Empathy and compassion for others are my new rooms. Untitled by Tina Drake Walk into the morning air Coffee in a mug Searching for new day thoughts A new beginning, a new day Into the heat of the doom and gloom Searching for cool down air. Knowing the day grows more savage Heat, bum, harness the day. Evening is cruel, hot and miserable The day comes to nearing its end. Cold pizza looked forward to. A bed cool, a night brought to an end When it’s done, when it’s anew We all walk through the gloom to begin and rise and fall. Bring anew the day that renews.
