how you learned to run fast

having lived

close

to this city, the capital

of

the free world,

since a child,

you've known where to go

and not

go

if you valued your life,

your money,

your car,

your bike.

no one had to tell you,

you just

knew

where to go when the sun

slipped

down

and it was night.

muggings and murder,

was the natural order

of things.

hijackings,

drive by shootings,

gangs and thugs.

you've known since childhood.

to go cautiously

when you crossed the South
Capitol street line.

it's been this way

since 1961.