If They Can Afford To Pay Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

And...
Which hours am I allowed to roam,
Away from my home if I so please?

'You are given at least eight hours per day.
To use together or separately if you wish.
But remember this...
In this community your safety is our concern.'

Suppose I choose more hours to use?

'Your lease requires you to pay an additional fee.'

I see.
Is there anything at all available in an urban neighborhood?

'We do have a few homes left.
However...
We can not guarantee you will sleep more peacefully,
Since in those divisions...
Our effective profiling has been stopped.
And as frightening as it may be...
Many of 'those' people can be seen walking around freely.'

I am confused by your policies.
Why would I want to be restricted to limits?
And then pay to do as I please?

'You specifically requested to see,
The best neighbors we have available.
And with fees to pay we guarantee your safety.'

Why are some homes patrolled by those,
Wearing camouflaged fatigues?

'They are the ones who have paid handsomely for their freedom.
And after constructing the barbed wired fences,
They also chose to have armed guards.
And the fees they pay are enormous.
Rarely do they come outside if we are not given,
A list of their errands at least a month in advance.'

And 'this' is what they wish?

'We provide anyone living here ultimate safety,
IF they can afford to pay.'