Bonjour. (Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker

The poem is in free verse, although there is some rhyme scheme: ababcd eefffgah.
The speaker, an African American, was born in Harlemand saw it grow until coloured people spread across the middle of Manhattan. They comprise a 'dark tenth of a nation'. The immigrants came by plane from Puerto Rico; and boats from Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica; and from the South in buses to settle in 'Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
The mention of 'holds of boats' could suggest illegal immigration.
America is richer for all this immigration, as John F. Kennedy pointed out in his book, 'A Nation of Immigrants'.
Langston Hughes reads the poem on the CD in a very clear voice, like a professional actor.