Cornwell Poetry

"CHA Has a Transformation Plan"

CHA has a Transformation Plan to tear up our block
Where we walked and volunteered
A place that gives a homeless person a place to stay
Flowerbeds everywhere, riverwalk
Where volunteers come to make it better for us
They told us it was not for the rich
Plans were made and then destroyed

Or so they say

"For sale" is what I heard
Moving us in and out
Back and forth
Condos up to the sky
Where do we stay?
What's really going on?
Downsize
Relocation
Redevelopment plan
Decisions made at the table without us
Meeting after meeting
Putting in our time
We stand out
A neighborhood with many different personalities and colors
Many different ghettos of my life
CHA
Backstabbing
Smiling faces
Pushing us around
Back and forth
These are our homes
We were here first
Lord, where is my hope
People in despair

But

CHA has a Transformation Plan

Sandra Cornwell

~~~~~~~~~~


"Please Don't Take Away My Music"

Back in the day
We listened to Herb Kent, Isley Brothers, Ohio Players
McFadden and Whitehead singing
"Ain't no stopping us now"
Sly Stone

To name a few

Now we have more rules
Regulations
Lease-compliant
Non-lease-compliant
Boarded up buildings
Moving back and forth
No housing for women
Homeless people need a home

Don't take our space
Too many strives on my back
CHA, you need to CHAnge

Sandra Cornwell