NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

LET THERE BE PEACE

THE 'HOOD

In unison steps 

and rhythmical stride

Morning, noon, and night, 

small armies of six or eight, 

washed shirts starched--

marching

I shudder, thinking

the awesome power--

spirituality emanating

seamlessly, seemingly

from several clusters

of little soldiers 

stepping in cadence

over heated pavements

..2..3..4..HUT!

Each few along the way

a parasoled officer leads,

perspiring in heat on concrete...

onward to grandmother's house,

where no enemy waits to meet.

Pushing, pulling 

wagons, baskets, buggies.

Groups of little ones

follow in filed rank, 

those taller. 

At head of all,

a "general" carries 

"wounded" young vet.

...and of that general?

why, it's none other than

she, who they all call "Mother!"

NOTE:  People who have moved here from other countries 

astonish me with their loyalty, devotion, togetherness

and friendliness. Whole extended families tread the

 sidewalks mornings and evenings and smile happily.

--steveroni