These Criers Would Not Have Survived Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

My family and I grew up in Hartford's projects.
Built in the late 40's as an experiment.
Needless to say,
That experiment involved people of color.
And it wasn't considered assisted living.
The amenities I remembered receiving,
Were indignities spiced on a regular basis.
And I remember vividly who sacrificed!

And when I hear many people excuse their misdeeds,
On TV...
To exclaim painful childhood memories?
These criers would not have survived,
The host of obscenities that has motivated my life.
And when I think of people like these,
Of having no other priorities but their selfish whims...
I can understand why their realities,
For them seem to come to an end!