A People’s Recollection of Camden, N.J.

Anthony Hammill

March 2022

Row Houses gone missing

like grandfather’s nicotine-stained teeth.

Their Sidewalks sparkle from broken glass

but broken dreams seemed more appropriate.

The dusty schoolyard I ran miles and threw balls in.

Subtle fear of being picked last there.

School’s brick and mortar had a way of saying

every student's life was a fable.

Homeless man got a sign reading,

“You’re just a paycheck away from being in my shoes.”

A plea in his eyes before he’s

taken away by city police.

The old home where I lived,

tied a knot which was 36 months untied.

Old home is six feet under now.

Job prospects abandoned the city, left with the whites.

Camden, held captive by mayor’s will.

Sucked dry by white flight

who laughed at poor minorities from 

McMansions and Mercedes in Cherry Hill.

“Most depressing place in America”, they say.

Have hope for a change.

Camden will be good enough

because one day, it has to be.