Espanola Way Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

They called you shabby lady
Vile, troubled, violent.
Cocaine flowed freely, wildly
Bodies twisted, spent.

You pulled me to your bosom
Held me with iron grip
Till veins and brains
Were shattered
Body scarred by cruel whip

Today I've found my freedom
I do not walk your way
Today I laugh and frolic
And play

But in the night I wonder
When moon hits darkened strand
Oh cruel street and lover
Would you still hold my hand?